
If you prefer to start seeds indoors, most annuals and vegetables should be started between early March and mid-April in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Extension service has a fine post about seed starting and recommends that brassicas (cauliflower
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica, which is in the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. Typically, only the head is eaten – the edible white flesh sometimes called "curd". The cauliflower head is composed …
What planting zone is Minnesota in?
Minnesota is in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-5. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. Minnesota on average has approximately 145 days between the last and first frost.
When is the best time to plant vegetable seeds?
Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important for getting the most out of your garden. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Minnesota is in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-5.
When is the best time to plant in the Twin Cities?
Here in the Twin Cities, we’re in zone 4 (and north of Duluth is zone 3). I know you’re psyched to sow, but remember most plants don’t do well until after our frosty evenings have fatigued. Average last frost is around Mother’s Day. Evaluate your exposure.
When is the best time of year to plant a lawn?
Planting early is one way to improve the chances that these early growth stages occur during relatively cool temperatures. Plant as soon as it’s practical, but on or before the optimum date indicated in Table 1.
What to do if you don't want a vegetable garden?
What zone is the Twin Cities in?
What plants can be grown in full sun?
How to get out of the yard if you can't plant?

What month should you start a garden?
According to Witz, late summer or early fall is the perfect time for “tilling the ground and adding organic matter, like compost or manure, to improve soil structure and nutrient levels,” because “the cold winter months provide ample time for the organic matter to break down and mingle with the dirt.”
What can I plant in May in Minnesota?
In early May, Parsley, Lettuce, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Collards, Kale, and Onion plants can be put outdoors. In late May to early June, Muskmelon, Pumpkin, Winter Squash, and Celery can be planted. Wait until the weather is consistently warm in early June to put Tomatoes and Peppers outdoors.
When should I start my plants for my garden?
As a general rule, seeds need to be started four to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Seed starting times are calculated by taking the date of the last frost and subtracting the days until transplant. The seed packet will tell you how many weeks.
When can you start planting perennials in Minnesota?
Upper Midwest gardening calendarWhat to doBest time to do itStart summer vegetable seeds indoorsMid March through mid AprilDirect seed spring cover cropsAll AprilDivide perennials2nd week of April through 3rd week of JuneWater3rd week of April through end of November15 more rows
What zone is mn for planting?
The lower your zone number, the colder it is. The most recent cold hardiness zone map was released in 2012 and most of Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4, which means the extreme low temperature in the zone gets to between -20 F and -30 F.
What can I plant right now in Minnesota?
You can sow early "cool-season" crops such as lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and onions right after preparing your garden plot. Cool season crops must mature before hot weather. Start these crops early indoors or buy plants from a garden center.
What should I plant in my garden for beginners?
Beets, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, peas, radishes, cherry tomatoes and green beans are some of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow. Summer and winter squash are also good choices for first-time gardeners.
What month is the best time to plant flowers?
The best time to plant any plant is during the dormant season – in North America, this is usually late fall through early spring. While it's okay to plant during the rest of the year, it will require more maintenance from you in the form of watering, fertilizers, etc.
When should tomatoes be planted?
How to Plant and Care for Tomatoes. Tomatoes run on warmth; plant in late spring and early summer except in zone 10, where they are a fall and winter crop. For a head start on growing, plant starter plants instead of seeds.
Is it too early to plant flowers in MN?
You would not want these plants to hit any weather below 40°F. Make sure to wait until June to plant these, if at all possible.
When can I plant shrubs in MN?
It should be okay to plant shrubs in Minnesota through mid-October or early November (depending on local weather conditions), but newly planted shrubs need time to develop roots before the ground freezes so it's better if you don't wait until the last minute.
Is it warm enough to plant flowers in Minnesota?
Tap the bookmark to save this article. View saved articles. If you're thinking of planting perennials, be sure to look for Zone 4 or lower hardiness, i.e. plants that survive average minimum temperatures of -20 to -30 degrees – that's our climate.
What can I plant in June in Minnesota?
Now, for all the usual hot weather veggies like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around June 22.
How late can you plant cucumbers in Minnesota?
Use a soil thermometer and sow seeds after the last frost date, once the soil is at least 70° F at the one-inch depth. In most of Minnesota, this will be sometime in late May.
When can I plant tomatoes in Minnesota?
Planting. Start tomatoes from seeds indoors, five to six weeks before planting outside. In most of Minnesota, this is mid-April. Plants started earlier are difficult to manage and do not necessarily lead to better or earlier harvests.
When should you plant potatoes in MN?
This period is early April in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Gardeners in southern Minnesota may plant earlier, while locations further north may not have warmer soil until May. Plant seed pieces cut side down, 10 to 12 inches apart and about three to five inches deep, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.
2022 Planting Calendar: When to Start Vegetable Seeds - Almanac.com
Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings into the garden—all customized to your location. Based on frost dates and planting zones.
When to Plant Vegetables: The Garden Planting Calendar
Enter your location below and experience the magic of our garden calendar planting guide. You can enter a zipcode, a landmark, "City, Country" or "City, State".
Vegetable Gardening Growing Guide | The Old Farmer's Almanac
Of course, see the master Planting Calendar for more specific dates by YOUR zip code for all your common vegetables. Vegetables Growing Guide. Note: Each of the vegetables listed below links to an individual vegetable plant guide that covers sowing to growing to harvest!
What to do if you don't want a vegetable garden?
Beautiful blooms aren’t the only thing to consider: Even if you don’t want a full- blown vegetable garden, you can choose veggies that flower and provide greenery or fragrant herbs you can snip and toss in a cocktail. Brighten up. OK, OK, part of the fun of gardening is color.
What zone is the Twin Cities in?
It can even be a memorable team effort when willing hands participate. Here’s what you need to get growing: Know your zone. Here in the Twin Cities, we’re in zone 4 (and north of Duluth is zone 3).
What plants can be grown in full sun?
Watch the sun pass over your yard and map what gets full sun, partial shade, and all shade so you can pick the right plants. Petunias, calibrachoa, geraniums, and rudbeckia thrive in the sun, while impatiens, coleus, hostas, and begonias prefer a parasol.
How to get out of the yard if you can't plant?
Make amends. Prepping the soil is a wonderful way to get out in the yard, even if you can’t plant yet. When you amend your soil with compost, you set up a veritable buffet for your petaled pals. Think: looser, moister soil; tastier, more nutritious veggies; stronger root growth; healthier plants. Then treat your gardening toolkit to a sprucing up so it can help you do the hard work.
How to know when to plant a garden?
This planting calendar is a guide that tells you the best time to start planting your garden based on frost dates. Our planting calendar is customized to your nearest weather station in order to give you the most accurate information possible. Please note: 1 The " Frost Dates " indicate the best planting dates based on your local average frost dates. Average frost dates are based on historical weather data and are the planting guideline used by most gardeners. Although frost dates are a good way to know approximately when to start gardening, always check a local forecast before planting outdoors! 2 The " Plant Seedlings or Transplants " dates indicate the best time to plant young plants outdoors. This includes plants grown from seed indoors at home and small starter plants bought from a nursery. 3 When no dates ("N/A") appear in the chart, that starting method is typically not recommended for that particular plant, although it likely still possible. See each plant's individual Growing Guide for more specific planting information. 4 The " Moon Dates " indicate the best planting dates based on your local frost dates and Moon phases. Planting by the Moon is considered a more traditional technique. We use Moon-favorable dates at the very start of the gardening season. It's a little complex for a fall planting.
What is a planting calendar?
This planting calendar is a guide that tells you the best time to start planting your garden based on frost dates. Our planting calendar is customized to your nearest weather station in order to give you the most accurate information possible. Please note:
Why Do You Start Seeds Indoors?
Starting seeds indoors (in seed trays or starter pots) gives your crops a head start on the growing season , which is especially important in regions with a short growing season. Starting seeds indoors also provides young, tender plants a chance to grow in a stable, controlled environment. Outdoors, the unpredictability of rain, drought, frost, low and high temperatures, sunlight, and pests and diseases can take a toll on young plants, especially when they're just getting started. Indoors, you can control these elements to maximize your plants' early growth and give them the best shot at thriving when they are eventually transplanted outdoors.
How Is Planting for a Fall Harvest Different?
Planting in late summer for a fall harvest has many benefits (soil is already warm, temperatures are cooler, fewer pests). However, the challenge is getting your crops harvested before the winter frosts begin. When we calculate fall planting dates (which are really in the summer), we must account for several factors, such as the time to harvest once the crop is mature and whether a crop is tender or hardy when it comes to frost. The "days to maturity" of a crop and the length of your growing season also factor into whether you start seeds early indoors or directly sow seeds into the ground outside. Note:
What Is Planting by the Moon?
Planting by the Moon (also called "Gardening by the Moon") is a traditional way to plant your above- and below-ground crops, especially at the start of the season. Here's how it works:
What vegetables are sown directly into the ground?
Warm-weather veggies like beans, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and watermelons are all sown directly into the ground.
Can you start vegetables indoors?
Not all vegetables should be started indoors! In fact, most are better off being started directly in the garden (aka "direct-sown"). The crops that should be started indoors are those that are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures or that have a very long growing season and need a head start. These include tender vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, as well as crops with a long growing season, like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.
What is the Minnesota lawn care calendar?
The Minnesota lawn care calendar is a handy schedule of activities that will help you keep your lawn healthy throughout the year.
Why is it important to plan ahead for vegetables?
Growing healthy vegetables - Planning ahead will help you avoid common diseases and pests that can affect a healthy harvest.
How to keep diseases out of potted plants?
Starting a garden. Clean and disinfect gardening tools and containers. Properly disinfecting your tools can help keep diseases out of your garden and potted plants. Extending the growing season. Practical methods for heating the soil in spring and protecting your garden through the first frost. Growing healthy vegetables.
What are some ways to control weeds in your garden?
Composting, fertilizing and weeding. Composting in home gardens. Controlling weeds in home gardens. Cover crops and green manure in home gardens - Cover crops form a living mulch in gardens because they grow thickly among each other. They help reduce soil splash and erosion, and keep weeds in check.
Why is planning ahead important?
Planning ahead will help you avoid common diseases and pests that can affect a healthy harvest.
Why is it important to plant early?
Benefits of early planting. Planting early is one way to improve the chances that these early growth stages occur during relatively cool temperatures. Plant as soon as it’s practical, but on or before the optimum date indicated in Table 1.
Why is it not recommended to plant after the last possible date?
Planting after the last possible date is not recommended because the odds are greater for reduced grain yield and quality (test weight) due to heat stress.
How cold can a crown plant survive?
The crown can sustain temperatures down to 28 and probably even handle short periods of temperatures as low as 22. Even if above ground leaves freeze, the plant will survive and continue its development as long as the crown does not suffer any freezing injury.
When does wheat germinate?
Spring wheat (and spring barley and oats) will start germinating in earnest when soil temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the imbibition phase starts, there’s no return to dormancy and the germination/emergence should be as quick as possible to establish a healthy, vigorous seedling.
Where is the growing point of a sage plant?
During this whole germination and seedling emergence and up to the 5-leaf stage, the growing point will be located about an inch below the soil surface. At this depth, it’s protected from the ambient temperatures.
When are small grains most productive?
Small grains are cool-season annuals and are most productive when they grow and develop during cool weather.
Is it bad to plant a crown in mid-March?
However, the odds of really cold temperatures that could damage the crown appear to be relatively small.
How to contact Minnesota annual planters?
If you need more information about annuals in Minnesota, check out this document from the University of Minnesota. You can also give us a call at 763-568-7251 for any of your annual planting needs, or submit a message through our quick quote system. We love designing annual pots, window boxes, or annual planters for homes and businesses. We are a full service landscape design and installation company with over 10 years of experience.
When is the last frost date for Minnesota?
The average last frost date for the Twin Cities is May 21. It gets up to June 15 in the northern regions of Minnesota. Keep in mind that that’s an average, so it can fluctuate between earlier and later. However, if at all possible, we try to plant our annuals in pots or displays after this date.
What annuals can tolerate 30 degrees?
The most spectacular (and popular) annuals are the tropical or exotic annuals like begonias and impatiens.
What is the most tender annual?
There are a ton of plants that fit into this category, including marigolds, dusty miller, ageratum, petunias, cleome, and nicotiana. The most spectacular (and popular) annuals are the tropical or exotic annuals like begonias and impatiens. Unfortunately, these are also the most tender type of annuals. You would not want these plants to hit any weather below 40°F. Make sure to wait until June to plant these, if at all possible.
How to contact the University of Minnesota about annuals?
If you need more information about annuals in Minnesota, check out this document from the University of Minnesota. You can also give us a call at 763-568-7251 for any of your annual planting needs, or submit a message through our quick quote system.
Can annuals survive cold weather?
Annuals are separated into three different kind of plants. Hardy annuals can survive quite cold weather (into the 20s F). Some examples of hardy annuals include sweet pea, bachelor’s button, and pot marigold. These plants are resilient and actually do better in the cold weather than the hot summer sun.
What to do if you don't want a vegetable garden?
Beautiful blooms aren’t the only thing to consider: Even if you don’t want a full- blown vegetable garden, you can choose veggies that flower and provide greenery or fragrant herbs you can snip and toss in a cocktail. Brighten up. OK, OK, part of the fun of gardening is color.
What zone is the Twin Cities in?
It can even be a memorable team effort when willing hands participate. Here’s what you need to get growing: Know your zone. Here in the Twin Cities, we’re in zone 4 (and north of Duluth is zone 3).
What plants can be grown in full sun?
Watch the sun pass over your yard and map what gets full sun, partial shade, and all shade so you can pick the right plants. Petunias, calibrachoa, geraniums, and rudbeckia thrive in the sun, while impatiens, coleus, hostas, and begonias prefer a parasol.
How to get out of the yard if you can't plant?
Make amends. Prepping the soil is a wonderful way to get out in the yard, even if you can’t plant yet. When you amend your soil with compost, you set up a veritable buffet for your petaled pals. Think: looser, moister soil; tastier, more nutritious veggies; stronger root growth; healthier plants. Then treat your gardening toolkit to a sprucing up so it can help you do the hard work.

Understanding Minnesota Hardiness Zones
- Hardiness zones, sometimes referred to as “growing zones” or “planting zones”, were created by the USDA to help gardeners determine which plants are best suited for a particular location. Minnesota encompasses 3 hardiness zones. They are zones 3, 4 and 5. Before we get started, determine which zone you live in by visiting this interactive USDA hardiness zone map. At their c…
Spring Gardening in Minnesota
- In Minnesota growing zones 3, 4 and 5, spring is considerably cold compared to most other areas. As a result, the viable growing season in these locations is fairly short. To get the most out of your garden in Minnesota zones 3, 4 and 5, seedlings should to be started indoors. We also recommend using a blanket of straw to help protect transplants from a surprise frost. With so m…
Fall Gardening in Minnesota
- For Minnesota growing zones 3, 4 and 5, fall gardening is a race against the cold. Likely, you’ll want to plant short season fall crops during July or August, to ensure ample harvest time before the season’s first frost hits. Cold hardy produce are the most viable fall crops for Minnesota growing zones 3, 4 and 5. Some of our favorites for Minnesot...
Still Not Sure What to Plant in Minnesota?
- See our full list of growing guides for cold weather vegetables and warm weather vegetablesfor more inspiration.