Fergus Falls, MN planting zone & frost dates
Fergus Falls is in USDA hardiness zone 4a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around October 5, for a growing season of about 152 days.
Planting calendar for Fergus Falls
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 4) 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 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 5).
Useful for zone 4a 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 20 | May 4 | May 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 19 | Oct 5 | Sep 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 18, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 22. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Fergus Falls
- 56537 zone 4a
- 56538 zone 4a
Nearby cities
- Alexandria zone 4b, last frost May 2
- Moorhead zone 4a, last frost May 5
- Willmar zone 4b, last frost Apr 30
- Bemidji zone 3b, last frost May 17
- Marshall zone 5a, last frost May 5
- Brainerd zone 4a, last frost May 8
- Sartell zone 4b, last frost May 7
- Sauk Rapids zone 4b, last frost May 7
Questions
What growing zone is Fergus Falls, MN?
Fergus Falls is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4a (average extreme winter low -30°F to -25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Fergus Falls?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fergus Falls is May 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fergus Falls?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 11 – May 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fergus Falls, MN (USC00212768), 3.2 km (2.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 381 m, based on 13 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.