Ponsford, MN frost dates
How Ponsford compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ponsford falls between May 1 and May 27, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 12 and October 8.
- The median last frost is 9 days later than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 134-day growing season is longer than 12% of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season (state median 151 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 3b, where the median is May 17.
- The weather station records an average of 186 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Fargo, ND, 114 km away, the last frost here is 10 days later than there and the growing season is 17 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 1 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 12 |
| 50% (median) | September 25 |
| 90% (late) | October 8 |
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 Ponsford, MN
Ponsford, MN frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Sep 25, zone 3b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ponsford, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 16 – May 21 | Jul 31 – Aug 28 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 10 |
| Okra | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — |
| Basil | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 3 – Jul 24 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 11 – Oct 16 |
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 Park Rapids Muni Ap, MN weather station, 23 km away (elevation 1,434 ft (437 m)).
Frost dates near Ponsford
- Osage May 14 · Sep 25
- Park Rapids May 14 · Sep 25
- Wolf Lake May 4 · Oct 3
- Frazee May 4 · Oct 3
- Lake George May 18 · Sep 27
- Rochert May 4 · Oct 3
- Menahga May 14 · Sep 25
- Naytahwaush May 7 · Sep 28
- Nevis May 14 · Sep 25
- Richwood May 5 · Oct 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ponsford, MN?
The median last spring frost in Ponsford, MN is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ponsford, MN?
The median first fall frost is September 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 12.
How long is the growing season in Ponsford, MN?
About 134 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ponsford, MN?
Ponsford, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 3b.