In Fargo, ND, the average last spring frost is May 10 and the average first fall frost is Sep 30, which leaves about 143 frost-free days for the garden. These dates come from NOAA climate normals for the Fargo Hector International Airport, ND weather station, at 900 feet above sea level.
A moderate season leaves room for most vegetables. Start warm-season crops indoors for a head start, plant cool-season crops early and again in late summer, and keep row cover ready for surprise frosts. Frost timing varies from year to year: in about 1 spring in 10 the last frost falls as late as May 23, and in about 1 fall in 10 the first frost arrives as early as Sep 18.
Frost dates for Fargo, ND
| Chance of a freeze (32°F) after or before this date | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Freeze-free season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimistic (about 1 year in 10) | Apr 27 | Oct 15 | 171 days |
| Average (half of years) | May 10 | Sep 30 | 143 days |
| Cautious (9 years in 10 are safe) | May 23 | Sep 18 | 118 days |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991 to 2020. Use the cautious dates for tender crops such as tomatoes and peppers.
When to plant in Fargo, ND
These windows count weeks forward and back from the average frost dates above. They are planning guides: check the forecast before planting tender crops, and see our what to plant now tool for today's date.
| Crop | Start seeds indoors | Plant outdoors in spring | Plant in fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Mar 15 to Mar 29 | May 17 to May 24 | – |
| Peppers | Mar 1 to Mar 15 | May 24 to May 31 | – |
| Eggplant | Mar 1 to Mar 15 | May 24 to May 31 | – |
| Onions | Mar 1 to Mar 15 | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | – |
| Parsley | Mar 1 to Mar 15 | May 10 to May 17 | – |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | Mar 15 to Mar 29 | Apr 26 to May 3 | Jul 8 to Aug 5 |
| Basil | Mar 29 to Mar 29 | May 17 to May 24 | – |
| Peas | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Jul 8 to Aug 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Aug 5 to Sep 2 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Aug 5 to Sep 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | Aug 5 to Sep 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | Jul 8 to Aug 5 |
| Beets | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | Jul 8 to Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | – |
| Kale | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | Jul 8 to Aug 5 |
| Swiss chard | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 to May 10 | – |
| Cilantro | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 to May 10 | Aug 5 to Sep 2 |
| Dill | Sow outdoors | May 10 to May 17 | – |
| Bush beans | Sow outdoors | May 17 to May 24 | Jun 27 to Jul 11 |
| Pole beans | Sow outdoors | May 17 to May 24 | – |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 17 to May 24 | – |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | May 17 to May 24 | Jun 17 to Jul 1 |
| Zucchini and summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 17 to May 24 | Jun 27 to Jul 11 |
| Winter squash | Sow outdoors | May 17 to May 24 | – |
| Sweet potatoes (slips) | Sow outdoors | May 24 to Jun 7 | – |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 24 to Jun 7 | – |
A dash in the fall column means the crop is not usually planted in fall, or the season is too short.
Overnight lows this week
The National Weather Service forecast shows frost risk on: Sun 15 night (33°F), Wed 18 night (36°F), Thu 19 night (31°F), Fri 20 night (30°F). Cover tender plants before dark on those nights.
| Night | Forecast low | Frost risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 15 night | 33°F | Frost possible |
| Sun 15 night | 38°F | No frost expected |
| Mon 16 night | 38°F | No frost expected |
| Tue 17 night | 41°F | No frost expected |
| Wed 18 night | 36°F | Frost possible |
| Thu 19 night | 31°F | Freeze |
| Fri 20 night | 30°F | Freeze |
Live forecast for the station location, from the National Weather Service. For your own ZIP code, use our garden weather forecast.
More garden tools for Fargo, ND
- Frost dates by ZIP code for your exact location
- What to plant now, based on today's date
- Garden weather forecast by ZIP code
- Safe transplant date calculator
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fargo, ND?
The average last spring frost is May 10. A late frost as far out as May 23 happens in about 1 year in 10, so tender plants such as tomatoes and peppers are safest after that cautious date.
When is the first frost in Fargo, ND?
The average first fall frost is Sep 30. It can arrive as early as Sep 18 in about 1 year in 10, so plan to harvest tender crops before then.
How long is the growing season in Fargo, ND?
The average freeze-free season is about 143 days, between the average last spring frost and the average first fall frost.
Where do these dates come from?
They come from the NOAA 1991 to 2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the Fargo Hector International Airport, ND station. Hills, valleys, lakes and city heat can shift frost by a week or more, so compare with neighbors who garden near you.