Ostrander, MN frost dates
How Ostrander compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ostrander falls between April 23 and May 18, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 17 and October 13.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 148-day growing season is longer than 38% of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season (state median 151 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4b, where the median is May 8.
- The weather station records an average of 171 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Rochester, MN, 49 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there and the growing season is 11 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 23 |
| 50% (median) | May 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 13 |
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 Ostrander, MN
Ostrander, MN frost dates — last frost May 6, first frost Oct 1, zone 4b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ostrander, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 8 – May 13 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Basil | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 1 – May 13 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
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 Grand Meadow, MN weather station, 17 km away (elevation 1,352 ft (412 m)).
Frost dates near Ostrander
- Spring Valley May 6 · Oct 1
- Le Roy May 6 · Oct 1
- Grand Meadow May 6 · Oct 1
- Wykoff May 14 · Sep 28
- Taopi May 6 · Oct 1
- Racine May 6 · Oct 1
- Elkton May 6 · Oct 1
- Adams May 6 · Oct 1
- Fountain May 14 · Sep 28
- Preston May 14 · Sep 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ostrander, MN?
The median last spring frost in Ostrander, MN is May 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ostrander, MN?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 17.
How long is the growing season in Ostrander, MN?
About 148 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ostrander, MN?
Ostrander, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 4b.