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Duluth, MN Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Duluth usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around Oct 23, a growing season of about 172 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6 and plant them outside May 18 – Jun 1.

Last spring frostMay 4
First fall frostOct 23
Growing season172 days

When to plant vegetables in Duluth

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 23 – Apr 6May 18 – Jun 1—
PeppersMar 16 – Mar 30May 25 – Jun 8—
EggplantMar 16 – Mar 30May 25 – Jun 8—
Cucumbers—May 18 – Jun 1—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 18 – Jun 1—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 25 – Jun 8—
Green beans—May 18 – Jun 1Jul 31 – Aug 14
Sweet corn—May 18 – Jun 1—
BasilApr 6 – Apr 20May 18 – Jun 1—
LettuceMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 6 – May 18Aug 28 – Sep 11
Spinach—Mar 23 – Apr 13Aug 28 – Sep 11
Peas—Mar 23 – Apr 13Aug 14 – Aug 28
Carrots—Apr 6 – May 11Jul 31 – Aug 14
Radishes—Mar 30 – May 18Sep 11 – Sep 25
BroccoliFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 6 – Apr 20Jul 31 – Aug 14
KaleMar 9 – Mar 23Mar 30 – Apr 13Aug 14 – Aug 28
Onions—Apr 6 – Apr 20—
Potatoes—Apr 13 – May 11—
Garlic——Oct 9 – Nov 13

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Duluth. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Duluth

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Duluth?

The median last spring frost is May 4 and the median first fall frost is Oct 23, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Duluth?

Start seeds indoors Mar 23 – Apr 6 and set plants outside May 18 – Jun 1, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Duluth?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 23): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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