West Fargo, ND planting zone & frost dates
West Fargo is in USDA hardiness zone 4a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 10 and the first fall frost around September 30, for a growing season of about 143 days.
Planting calendar for West Fargo
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 10) 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 15 – Mar 29 Transplant outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: May 24 – May 31 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: May 24 – May 31 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 Transplant outdoors: May 17 – May 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 30).
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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 27 | May 10 | May 23 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 15 | Sep 30 | Sep 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 23, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 30.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in West Fargo
- 58078 zone 4a
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is West Fargo, ND?
West Fargo 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 West Fargo?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in West Fargo is May 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 23.
When can I plant tomatoes in West Fargo?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 17 – May 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fargo Hector Intl Ap, ND (USW00014914), 8.8 km (5.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 274 m, based on 29 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.