Alder, MT frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Alder, MT records freezing temperatures in every month often enough that NOAA cannot define a frost-free season. Gardening is still possible — it just means planning for frost at any time:

• Grow fast, cold-tolerant crops: Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Garlic.
• Plant once the soil can be worked — usually late spring to early summer at high elevation — and keep row covers ready for clear, still nights.
• Use season extension: cold frames, low tunnels, wall-of-water cloches or a greenhouse turn a few frost-free weeks into a real season.
• Frost-tender crops (tomatoes, squash, beans) need protection all season; choose the earliest varieties you can find.

About these dates

Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Alder 19s, MT weather station, 11 km away (elevation 5,748 ft (1,752 m)).

Frost dates near Alder

• Virginia City Jun 4 · Sep 18
• Sheridan May 24 · Sep 22
• Mc Allister Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Cameron Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Ennis Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Twin Bridges Jun 8 · Sep 2
• Dillon Jun 5 · Sep 13
• Norris Apr 30 · Oct 10
• Pony Apr 30 · Oct 10
• Big Sky frost any month

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Alder, MT?

Alder, MT can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 219 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Alder, MT?

Fast, cold-tolerant crops such as radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, peas and potatoes, ideally under row covers, cold frames or a greenhouse. Frost-tender crops like tomatoes need protection all season.