In Minneapolis, MN, the average last spring frost is Apr 23 and the average first fall frost is Oct 18, which leaves about 176 frost-free days for the garden. These dates come from NOAA climate normals for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, MN weather station, at 872 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 7, and in about 1 fall in 10 the first frost arrives as early as Oct 1.
Frost dates for Minneapolis, MN
| 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 8 | Oct 31 | 206 days |
| Average (half of years) | Apr 23 | Oct 18 | 176 days |
| Cautious (9 years in 10 are safe) | May 7 | Oct 1 | 147 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 Minneapolis, MN
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 | Feb 26 to Mar 12 | Apr 30 to May 7 | – |
| Peppers | Feb 12 to Feb 26 | May 7 to May 14 | – |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 to Feb 26 | May 7 to May 14 | – |
| Onions | Feb 12 to Feb 26 | Mar 26 to Apr 9 | – |
| Parsley | Feb 12 to Feb 26 | Apr 23 to Apr 30 | – |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | Feb 26 to Mar 12 | Apr 9 to Apr 16 | Jul 26 to Aug 23 |
| Basil | Mar 12 to Mar 12 | Apr 30 to May 7 | – |
| Peas | Sow outdoors | Mar 12 to Mar 26 | Jul 26 to Aug 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors | Mar 12 to Mar 26 | Aug 23 to Sep 20 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors | Mar 12 to Mar 26 | Aug 23 to Sep 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors | Mar 26 to Apr 9 | Aug 23 to Sep 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors | Mar 26 to Apr 9 | Jul 26 to Aug 23 |
| Beets | Sow outdoors | Mar 26 to Apr 9 | Jul 26 to Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | Sow outdoors | Mar 26 to Apr 9 | – |
| Kale | Sow outdoors | Mar 26 to Apr 9 | Jul 26 to Aug 23 |
| Swiss chard | Sow outdoors | Apr 9 to Apr 23 | – |
| Cilantro | Sow outdoors | Apr 9 to Apr 23 | Aug 23 to Sep 20 |
| Dill | Sow outdoors | Apr 23 to Apr 30 | – |
| Bush beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 to May 7 | Jul 15 to Jul 29 |
| Pole beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 to May 7 | – |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 to May 7 | – |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 to May 7 | Jul 5 to Jul 19 |
| Zucchini and summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 to May 7 | Jul 15 to Jul 29 |
| Winter squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 30 to May 7 | – |
| Sweet potatoes (slips) | Sow outdoors | May 7 to May 21 | – |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 7 to May 21 | – |
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 (36°F), Sat 21 night (34°F). Cover tender plants before dark on those nights.
| Night | Forecast low | Frost risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 15 night | 36°F | Frost possible |
| Mon 16 night | 42°F | No frost expected |
| Tue 17 night | 45°F | No frost expected |
| Wed 18 night | 46°F | No frost expected |
| Thu 19 night | 38°F | No frost expected |
| Fri 20 night | 45°F | No frost expected |
| Sat 21 night | 34°F | Frost possible |
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 Minneapolis, MN
- 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 Minneapolis, MN?
The average last spring frost is Apr 23. A late frost as far out as May 7 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 Minneapolis, MN?
The average first fall frost is Oct 18. It can arrive as early as Oct 1 in about 1 year in 10, so plan to harvest tender crops before then.
How long is the growing season in Minneapolis, MN?
The average freeze-free season is about 176 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 Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, MN station. Hills, valleys, lakes and city heat can shift frost by a week or more, so compare with neighbors who garden near you.