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Bismarck, ND Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Bismarck usually comes around May 1 and the first fall frost around Oct 8, a growing season of about 160 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 20 – Apr 3 and plant them outside May 15 – May 29.

Last spring frostMay 1
First fall frostOct 8
Growing season160 days

When to plant vegetables in Bismarck

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 20 – Apr 3May 15 – May 29—
PeppersMar 13 – Mar 27May 22 – Jun 5—
EggplantMar 13 – Mar 27May 22 – Jun 5—
Cucumbers—May 15 – May 29—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 15 – May 29—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 22 – Jun 5—
Green beans—May 15 – May 29Jul 16 – Jul 30
Sweet corn—May 15 – May 29—
BasilApr 3 – Apr 17May 15 – May 29—
LettuceMar 6 – Mar 20Apr 3 – May 15Aug 13 – Aug 27
Spinach—Mar 20 – Apr 10Aug 13 – Aug 27
Peas—Mar 20 – Apr 10Jul 30 – Aug 13
Carrots—Apr 3 – May 8Jul 16 – Jul 30
Radishes—Mar 27 – May 15Aug 27 – Sep 10
BroccoliFeb 20 – Mar 6Apr 3 – Apr 17Jul 16 – Jul 30
KaleMar 6 – Mar 20Mar 27 – Apr 10Jul 30 – Aug 13
Onions—Apr 3 – Apr 17—
Potatoes—Apr 10 – May 8—
Garlic——Sep 24 – Oct 29

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

Month-by-month planting in Bismarck

  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, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  8. AugustPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, 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 Bismarck?

The median last spring frost is May 1 and the median first fall frost is Oct 8, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Bismarck?

Start seeds indoors Mar 20 – Apr 3 and set plants outside May 15 – May 29, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Bismarck?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 8): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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