Planting calendar for Montana
Short answer
Most of Montana is in climate zone 6, with an average last spring frost around Apr 30 and first fall frost around Oct 10. Plant hardy crops before the last frost, tender crops after. Enter your ZIP for dates tuned to your exact area.
Last spring frost
Apr 30
First fall frost
Oct 10
Climate zone(s)
6
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | — | Mar 26 | May 25 |
| Spinach | — | Mar 26 | May 10 |
| Radishes | — | Apr 2 | Apr 30 |
| Kale | Mar 26 | Apr 2 | May 27 |
| Onions | Feb 19 | Apr 2 | Jul 11 |
| Lettuce | Apr 2 | Apr 9 | May 29 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 9 | Jun 18 |
| Beets | — | Apr 9 | Jun 3 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | Jun 20 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | Jun 25 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 16 | Jul 15 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 16 | May 31 |
| Zucchini / squash | Apr 9 | May 7 | Jun 26 |
| Green beans | — | May 7 | Jul 1 |
| Sweet corn | — | May 7 | Jul 21 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 | May 14 | Jul 28 |
| Peppers | Mar 5 | May 14 | Aug 2 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 9 | May 14 | Jul 8 |
| Pumpkins | Apr 16 | May 14 | Sep 1 |
| Basil | Mar 19 | May 14 | Jul 13 |
Dates use zone 6 (most of Montana); colder areas run later. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Montana?
Most of Montana (zone 6) averages its last spring frost around Apr 30 and first fall frost around Oct 10. Colder parts of the state run later in spring.
When should I plant tomatoes in Montana?
Set tomato transplants out around May 14 in most of Montana — a couple of weeks after the last frost. Start seeds indoors about Mar 19.
What is the growing season in Montana?
Roughly Oct 10 minus Apr 30 for zone 6. Cool-season crops extend it on both ends; enter your ZIP for your exact dates.