Farm Direct Minnesota

 

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alt="Fresh Minnesota garden tomatoes growing on vine, example of summer produce in Minnesota planting calendar

Minnesota Planting Calendar (Zones 3–5)

Planning a garden or buying local produce in Minnesota starts with knowing your growing season. This Minnesota planting calendar for Zones 3–5 shows when to plant vegetables, what grows best in Minnesota, and when crops are ready to harvest. Whether you're growing your own food or shopping farm direct, timing is everything in Minnesota’s short growing season.

Zones range from 3a in northern Minnesota to 5b in the Twin Cities and southeast

Vegetable Start Seed Indoors Plant Outdoors Between Rows Between Plants Depth of Seeding Amount Per 20' Row
Asparagus crownsApril 15-May 136"12-18"6-8"15 crowns
Beans, snap (bush)May 15-July 118-24"3-4"1½-2"3-4 oz
Beans, snap (pole)May 15-July 136"4-6"1½-2"2-3 oz
Beans, dry shellMay 1518-24"3-4"1½"3-4 oz
Beans, limaMay 15-June 1018-24"4-6"1½"3-4 oz
BeetsApril 15-July 112-18"2-4"½-1"1 packet
BroccoliMarch 1-15April 15 or June 124-30"24"¼"9 plants
Brussels sproutsMarch 1-15April 15 or June 124-30"24"¼"9 plants
Cabbage, earlyMarch 1-15April 1-May 124-30"18"¼"12 plants
Cabbage, lateApril 15-May 1June 124-30"24"¼"9 plants
Cabbage, ChineseJuly 124-30"18"½"1 packet
CarrotsApril 15-June 1518-24"2-3"¼"1 packet
CauliflowerMarch 1-15April 15 or June 124-30"18-24"¼"12 plants
CeleryFeb. 15-March 1May 1518-24"8"1/8"24 plants
Chard, SwissMay 118-24"6-8"1"1 packet
CollardsApril 1524-36"6"¼"1 packet
CucumberMay 1-June 1548-60"12"1"1 packet
EggplantMarch 15-April 1June 124-30"24"¼"9 plants
EndiveApril 1518-24"8-12"½"1 packet
GarlicSept. 1518-24"4-6"3-4"1 lb cloves
HorseradishApril 15-May 124-30"12-18"6"18 roots
KaleApril 15-July 1518-24"12-18"½"1 packet
KohlrabiApr 15 / Aug 118-24"6"½"1 packet
Lettuce, leafApr 15 / Aug 112-18"4-6"¼"1 packet
Lettuce, headMarch 1-15April 15-May 118-24"12"¼"18 plants
MuskmelonMay 15-June 160-72"18"1"1 packet
OkraMarch 15-April 1June 124-36"12-15"½"1 packet
Onion, setsApril 1512-24"2-3"1-2"½ lb
ParsleyApril 15-May 112-24"4-6"¼"1 packet
PeasApril 10-May 1518-24"2"1½"1 packet
PepperMarch 15-April 1June 124-36"18-24"½"12 plants
Potatoes, IrishApril 15-June 124-30"12-18"4"3 lb seed
PumpkinMay 10-June 172-96"24-36"1-2"1 packet
RadishApr 10 / Aug 16-12"1-2"½"1 packet
RhubarbApril 15-May 136-48"36-48"5-6 plants
SpinachApr 15 / Aug 112-18"3-4"½"1 packet
SquashMay 10-June 148-96"24-36"1"1 packet
Sweet cornMay 10-July 130"12"1-2"1 packet
TomatoApril 1-15May 15-June 124-36"36-48"¼"6-8 plants
WatermelonMay 15-June 160-72"24-36"½"1 packet

What Grows Best in Minnesota (Zones 3–5)

Minnesota’s climate is ideal for a wide variety of vegetables, especially those suited to cooler growing conditions and a shorter growing season. Whether you're planting a home garden or buying from local farms, these crops consistently perform well across the state.

  • Cool-Weather Crops: Lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, radishes
  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, potatoes, turnips
  • Warm-Season Crops: Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, beans
  • Minnesota Staples: Sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, apples

These vegetables and fruits thrive in Minnesota’s soil and climate, making them reliable choices for gardeners and widely available from local farms during peak harvest season.

When Fruits & Vegetables Are in Season in Minnesota

Minnesota’s growing season is short but incredibly productive. Knowing when produce is in season helps you plan your garden and buy the freshest food directly from local farms.

  • Spring (April–June): Asparagus, radishes, spinach, lettuce, green onions
  • Early Summer (June–July): Strawberries, peas, broccoli, zucchini
  • Mid Summer (July–August): Tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, sweet corn
  • Late Summer (August–September): Peppers, melons, eggplant, apples begin
  • Fall (September–October): Pumpkins, squash, potatoes, carrots, apples

Buying in-season produce from Minnesota farms ensures better flavor, higher nutrition, and supports local agriculture. 

Find Fresh Fruits & Vegetables from Minnesota Farms

Looking for fresh, in-season produce? Farm Direct Minnesota connects you with local farms across the state offering vegetables, fruits, and farm-grown products directly to consumers. Skip the grocery store and support Minnesota farmers while enjoying fresher, better-tasting food.

  • Find locally grown vegetables and fruits near you
  • Buy directly from Minnesota farms and growers
  • Discover seasonal produce available right now
  • Support small farms and local agriculture

Browse Minnesota Farms Near You

Minnesota Gardening & Planting FAQs

When should I start planting vegetables in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, cold-hardy crops like peas, spinach, and lettuce can be planted as early as April. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should be planted after the last frost, typically mid-May to early June.

What vegetables grow best in Minnesota?

Minnesota grows a wide range of crops including tomatoes, sweet corn, beans, carrots, potatoes, squash, and leafy greens. Cool-weather crops perform especially well in spring and fall.

What planting zone is Minnesota?

Minnesota ranges from USDA Zone 3a in the north to Zone 5b in the south and Twin Cities area. Most gardeners fall within Zones 3–4.

When is produce in season in Minnesota?

Fresh produce is available from spring through fall. Early crops like asparagus and greens appear in April–May, while peak harvest for tomatoes, corn, and peppers happens in July through September.

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Farm Direct Minnesota • Sazzy Calhoun - Founder • PO Box 100 • Bethel, MN 55005
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Est. May 2020

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