Upper Midwest & Northern Plains Planting Calendar
Month-by-month planting calendar for the Upper Midwest & Northern Plains. 162 crops with sow windows for a cold continental, short season climate.
Monthly Planting Calendar
The Upper Midwest and Northern Plains (Minnesota, the Dakotas and northern neighbours, USDA 3-4) have long, cold winters and a short, warm summer of roughly 120-150 frost-free days. Almost everything goes in across a tight spring-to-midsummer window: hardy crops in late April to May, tender crops after the mid-to-late May last frost. Garlic is planted in fall. Last frost is typically mid-to-late May and the first fall frost around late September. These windows are a first-pass estimate from regional extension guidance and are being reviewed locally.
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Growing Guides
In-depth guides for the most popular crops and techniques. These guides adapt to your region.
Free Monthly Planting Calendar
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Plan your whole garden in the app
Drag-and-drop beds, track from seed to harvest, and get Upper Midwest & Northern Plains reminders every month.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
How short is the growing season?
Roughly 120-150 frost-free days. Start long-season crops indoors and transplant after the mid-to-late May last frost to make the most of summer.
How accurate are these dates?
A careful first pass based on regional extension calendars, under local review.