Minneapolis Gardening Guide (2026)

Cold; very short season, start indoors.

USDA zone
5
Typical last frost
05/05
Typical first frost
10/05

Quick answer (Minneapolis): Gardeners here work in about a 153-day frost-free window around zone 5. State context: Minnesota (zones 3–5). Start warm crops indoors ~6 weeks before the last frost of 05/05.

🌆 Minneapolis microclimate

  • Very cold (4a-5a)
  • Short intense season
  • Great for cool crops

What to grow here, by environment

short season
Radish · Lettuce · Peas · Spinach · Kohlrabi
full sun
Tomato (Sub-Arctic Plenty, Early Girl) · Pepper (compact) · Beans · Zucchini
part shade
Kale · Swiss chard · Beets
shade
Hosta · Astilbe · Bleeding heart

Your Minneapolis planting calendar

Pre-filled with Minneapolis's frost dates. Choose a crop to print your plan.

In Minnesota (typical zone 35, last frost ≈ May 5, first frost ≈ Oct 5, 153-day season), your Tomato plan:

Start seeds indoors
Mar 24
Sow / transplant outdoors
May 19
First harvest
Jul 28
Spacing / depth
24″ / 0.25

Month-by-month (Minnesota, 2026)

MonthAction
Jan
Feb
MarStart indoors
Apr
MaySow · Transplant
Jun
JulHarvest
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms. Zones 313 suitable. Dates are typical; confirm with your county extension and watch the 10-day forecast.

Common pests near Minneapolis

Pre-filled to Minnesota. Pick a pest for signs, organic-first treatment, and a printable IPM card.

Cutworm

Targets
Seedlings of many crops
Signs
Young transplants cut at soil line overnight.
Organic / IPM first
Cardboard collar around stem; diatomaceous earth ring; hand-pick at dusk.
Chemical option (follow label)
Bt or spinosad soil drench at planting.
Prevention
Till in fall; avoid fresh manure; start transplants sturdy.

Crops that fit zone 5

Vegetables and herbs suited to your metro zone — open any for a state-specific planting card: