Northfield, MN planting zone & frost dates
Northfield is in USDA hardiness zone 4b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 5 and the first fall frost around October 5, for a growing season of about 152 days.
Planting calendar for Northfield
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 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 5).
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 22 | May 5 | May 19 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 17 | Oct 5 | Sep 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 19, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Northfield
- 55057 zone 4b
Nearby cities
- Farmington zone 5a, last frost Apr 27
- Faribault zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Lakeville zone 4b, last frost Apr 27
- Apple Valley zone 5a, last frost Apr 27
- Rosemount zone 5a, last frost May 2
- Burnsville zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Eagan zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Prior Lake zone 4b, last frost Apr 23
Questions
What growing zone is Northfield, MN?
Northfield 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 Northfield?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Northfield is May 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 19.
When can I plant tomatoes in Northfield?
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 Faribault, MN (USC00212721), 18.5 km (11.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 296 m, based on 19 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.