North Branch, MN planting zone & frost dates
North Branch is in USDA hardiness zone 4b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 19 and the first fall frost around September 25, for a growing season of about 128 days.
Planting calendar for North Branch
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 19) 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 24 – Apr 7 Transplant outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 Transplant outdoors: May 26 – Jun 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Jul 31 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 25).
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 | May 2 | May 19 | Jun 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 8 | Sep 25 | Sep 10 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 10. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 6.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in North Branch
- 55056 zone 4b
Nearby cities
- Forest Lake zone 4b, last frost May 3
- East Bethel zone 4b, last frost May 1
- Hugo zone 4b, last frost Apr 23
- Lino Lakes zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Ham Lake zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Andover zone 4b, last frost May 5
- White Bear Lake zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Blaine zone 5a, last frost May 5
Questions
What growing zone is North Branch, MN?
North Branch 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 North Branch?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in North Branch is May 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in North Branch?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 26 – Jun 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Wild Rvr Sp, MN (USC00218986), 18.1 km (11.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 256 m, based on 28 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.