Akeley, MN frost dates
How Akeley compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Akeley falls between April 21 and May 20, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 23 and October 21.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 156-day growing season is longer than 68% of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season (state median 151 days).
- The last frost is 8 days earlier than the zone 4a median of May 12. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 4a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 174 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 21 |
| 50% (median) | May 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 23 |
| 50% (median) | October 7 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Akeley, MN
Akeley, MN frost dates — last frost May 4, first frost Oct 7, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Akeley, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 6 – May 11 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 |
| Kale | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Okra | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 25 – Jun 8 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — |
| Basil | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 30 – May 11 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | — | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | — | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 11 – Jun 1 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 18 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 23 – Oct 28 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Walker, MN weather station, 15 km away (elevation 1,430 ft (436 m)).
Frost dates near Akeley
- Nevis May 14 · Sep 25
- Walker May 4 · Oct 7
- Ah Gwah Ching May 4 · Oct 7
- Hackensack May 4 · Oct 7
- Benedict May 4 · Oct 7
- Park Rapids May 14 · Sep 25
- Laporte May 17 · Sep 26
- Backus May 5 · Oct 5
- Lake George May 18 · Sep 27
- Menahga May 14 · Sep 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Akeley, MN?
The median last spring frost in Akeley, MN is May 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Akeley, MN?
The median first fall frost is October 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Akeley, MN?
About 156 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Akeley, MN?
Akeley, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.