East Bethel, MN planting zone & frost dates
East Bethel is in USDA hardiness zone 4b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 1 and the first fall frost around October 7, for a growing season of about 158 days.
Planting calendar for East Bethel
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 1) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 12 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 7).
Useful for zone 4b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 17 | May 1 | May 17 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 22 | Oct 7 | Sep 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 17, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 20.
Nearby cities
- Ham Lake zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Andover zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Blaine zone 5a, last frost May 5
- Lino Lakes zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Mounds View zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Coon Rapids zone 5a, last frost Apr 30
- West Coon Rapids zone 5a, last frost Apr 30
- Forest Lake zone 4b, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is East Bethel, MN?
East Bethel is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4b (average extreme winter low -25°F to -20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in East Bethel?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in East Bethel is May 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 17.
When can I plant tomatoes in East Bethel?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 8 – May 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Cedar, MN (USC00211390), 6.4 km (4.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 276 m, based on 15 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.