Moorhead, MN planting zone & frost dates
Moorhead is in USDA hardiness zone 4a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 5 and the first fall frost around October 3, for a growing season of about 150 days.
Planting calendar for Moorhead
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 5) 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 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: May 19 – May 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: May 19 – May 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 8 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 3).
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 23 | May 5 | May 20 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 18 | Oct 3 | Sep 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 20, 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 28.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Moorhead
- 56560 zone 4a
- 56561 zone 4a
- 56563 zone 4a
Nearby cities
- Fergus Falls zone 4a, last frost May 4
- Alexandria zone 4b, last frost May 2
- Bemidji zone 3b, last frost May 17
- Willmar zone 4b, last frost Apr 30
- 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 Moorhead, MN?
Moorhead 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 Moorhead?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Moorhead is May 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 20.
When can I plant tomatoes in Moorhead?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 12 – May 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Moorhead, MN (USC00215586), 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 276 m, based on 22 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.