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Grand Forks, ND Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Grand Forks usually comes around May 7 and the first fall frost around Oct 9, a growing season of about 155 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 26 – Apr 9 and plant them outside May 21 – Jun 4.

Last spring frostMay 7
First fall frostOct 9
Growing season155 days

When to plant vegetables in Grand Forks

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 26 – Apr 9May 21 – Jun 4—
PeppersMar 19 – Apr 2May 28 – Jun 11—
EggplantMar 19 – Apr 2May 28 – Jun 11—
Cucumbers—May 21 – Jun 4—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 21 – Jun 4—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 28 – Jun 11—
Green beans—May 21 – Jun 4Jul 17 – Jul 31
Sweet corn—May 21 – Jun 4—
BasilApr 9 – Apr 23May 21 – Jun 4—
LettuceMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 9 – May 21Aug 14 – Aug 28
Spinach—Mar 26 – Apr 16Aug 14 – Aug 28
Peas—Mar 26 – Apr 16Jul 31 – Aug 14
Carrots—Apr 9 – May 14Jul 17 – Jul 31
Radishes—Apr 2 – May 21Aug 28 – Sep 11
BroccoliFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 9 – Apr 23Jul 17 – Jul 31
KaleMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 2 – Apr 16Jul 31 – Aug 14
Onions—Apr 9 – Apr 23—
Potatoes—Apr 16 – May 14—
Garlic——Sep 25 – Oct 30

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

Month-by-month planting in Grand Forks

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, 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, 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 Grand Forks?

The median last spring frost is May 7 and the median first fall frost is Oct 9, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Grand Forks?

Start seeds indoors Mar 26 – Apr 9 and set plants outside May 21 – Jun 4, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Grand Forks?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 9): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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