Winona, MN planting zone & frost dates
Winona is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 21 and the first fall frost around October 19, for a growing season of about 180 days.
Planting calendar for Winona
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 21) 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: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 19).
Useful for zone 5a 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 7 | Apr 21 | May 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 1 | Oct 19 | Oct 4 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 4. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 9.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Winona
- 55987 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- Rochester zone 4b, last frost Apr 30
- Red Wing zone 4b, last frost Apr 23
- Austin zone 4b, last frost Apr 30
- Hastings zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Cottage Grove zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Stillwater zone 4b, last frost Apr 22
- Northfield zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Woodbury zone 5a, last frost Apr 26
Questions
What growing zone is Winona, MN?
Winona is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Winona?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Winona is April 21. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Winona?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 28 – May 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Winona, MN (USC00219067), 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 199 m, based on 17 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.