LawnWeather

St. Cloud, MN Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in St. Cloud usually comes around May 2 and the first fall frost around Oct 10, a growing season of about 161 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4 and plant them outside May 16 – May 30.

Last spring frostMay 2
First fall frostOct 10
Growing season161 days

When to plant vegetables in St. Cloud

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 21 – Apr 4May 16 – May 30—
PeppersMar 14 – Mar 28May 23 – Jun 6—
EggplantMar 14 – Mar 28May 23 – Jun 6—
Cucumbers—May 16 – May 30—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 16 – May 30—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 23 – Jun 6—
Green beans—May 16 – May 30Jul 18 – Aug 1
Sweet corn—May 16 – May 30—
BasilApr 4 – Apr 18May 16 – May 30—
LettuceMar 7 – Mar 21Apr 4 – May 16Aug 15 – Aug 29
Spinach—Mar 21 – Apr 11Aug 15 – Aug 29
Peas—Mar 21 – Apr 11Aug 1 – Aug 15
Carrots—Apr 4 – May 9Jul 18 – Aug 1
Radishes—Mar 28 – May 16Aug 29 – Sep 12
BroccoliFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 4 – Apr 18Jul 18 – Aug 1
KaleMar 7 – Mar 21Mar 28 – Apr 11Aug 1 – Aug 15
Onions—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Potatoes—Apr 11 – May 9—
Garlic——Sep 26 – Oct 31

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

Month-by-month planting in St. Cloud

  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: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  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 St. Cloud?

The median last spring frost is May 2 and the median first fall frost is Oct 10, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in St. Cloud?

Start seeds indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4 and set plants outside May 16 – May 30, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in St. Cloud?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 10): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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