Minnesota Planting Calendar (Zones 3–5)

In Minnesota, cold-hardy crops like peas, spinach, lettuce, carrots, radishes, and onions can often be planted as early as April, depending on soil conditions and your location. Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and beans should be planted after the danger of frost has passed, typically from mid-May to early June.

Tomatoes are warm-season plants and should be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. In much of Minnesota, that usually means mid-May to early June. Many gardeners start tomato seeds indoors earlier in spring, then transplant them outside once nights are warmer and the soil has had time to heat up.

Pumpkins should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. In Minnesota, many gardeners plant pumpkins in late May or early June so the plants have enough warm growing days before fall harvest.

Minnesota grows a wide range of vegetables including tomatoes, sweet corn, beans, carrots, potatoes, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, onions, peas, lettuce, spinach, and leafy greens. Cool-weather crops perform especially well in spring and fall, while warm-season crops thrive during Minnesota’s summer growing season.

Minnesota ranges from USDA Zone 3a in the north to Zone 5b in parts of the south and Twin Cities area. Most gardeners fall within Zones 3–4, so planting dates can vary depending on your local frost dates, soil temperature, and microclimate.

Fresh produce is available from spring through fall. Early crops like asparagus, rhubarb, radishes, greens, and herbs often appear in April and May. Peak harvest for tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, beans, melons, and squash usually happens from July through September.

Use the Farm Direct Minnesota map to find local farms, farm stands, farmers markets, CSA shares, and growers selling produce directly to customers across Minnesota. Search the Farm Direct Minnesota map.