Swift, MN frost dates
How Swift compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Swift falls between May 5 and May 30, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 11 and October 6.
- The median last frost is 11 days later than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 131-day growing season is longer than 8% 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 191 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 5 |
| 50% (median) | May 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 30 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 11 |
| 50% (median) | September 24 |
| 90% (late) | October 6 |
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 Swift, MN
Swift, MN frost dates — last frost May 16, first frost Sep 24, zone 3b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Swift, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 18 – May 23 | Jul 30 – Aug 27 |
| Kale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 16 – Aug 6 |
| Broccoli | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 18 – Jul 9 |
| Cabbage | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 18 – Jul 9 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 18 – Jul 9 |
| Okra | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | — |
| Basil | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 23 | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 2 – May 30 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 30 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 10 – Oct 15 |
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 Warroad, MN weather station, 9 km away (elevation 1,073 ft (327 m)).
Frost dates near Swift
- Roosevelt May 16 · Sep 24
- Warroad May 16 · Sep 24
- Williams May 25 · Sep 22
- Salol May 16 · Sep 24
- Roseau May 16 · Sep 24
- Wannaska May 25 · Sep 22
- Baudette May 14 · Sep 26
- Angle Inlet May 16 · Sep 24
- Oak Island May 16 · Sep 24
- Badger May 6 · Oct 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Swift, MN?
The median last spring frost in Swift, MN is May 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 30, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Swift, MN?
The median first fall frost is September 24, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 11.
How long is the growing season in Swift, MN?
About 131 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Swift, MN?
Swift, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 3b.