Homestead, MT frost dates
Last spring frostMay 16median date
First fall frostSep 18median date
Growing season125 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone3bZone 3b
How Homestead compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Homestead falls between May 4 and May 30, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 7 and September 28.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the Montana median of May 19.
- Its 125-day growing season is longer than 47% of the 325 Montana places with a regular frost season (state median 125 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 3b, where the median is May 17.
- The weather station records an average of 192 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 4 |
| 50% (median) | May 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 30 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 7 |
| 50% (median) | September 18 |
| 90% (late) | September 28 |
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 Homestead, MT
Homestead, MT frost dates — last frost May 16, first frost Sep 18, zone 3b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 21 to Mar 7Transplant outside: Apr 18 to May 2
Start indoors: Mar 7 to Mar 21Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 13
Start indoors: Mar 7 to Mar 21Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 13
Start indoors: Mar 21 to Apr 4Transplant outside: May 23 to Jun 6
Start indoors: Mar 21 to Apr 4Transplant outside: Apr 25 to May 9Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to May 23Plant for fall: Jul 24 to Aug 21
Start indoors: Mar 21 to Apr 4Transplant outside: Apr 18 to May 2Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to May 2Plant for fall: Jul 10 to Jul 31
Start indoors: Mar 21 to Apr 4Transplant outside: May 2 to May 16Plant for fall: Jun 12 to Jul 3
Start indoors: Mar 21 to Apr 4Transplant outside: Apr 25 to May 9Plant for fall: Jun 12 to Jul 3
Start indoors: Mar 21 to Apr 4Transplant outside: May 2 to May 16Plant for fall: Jun 12 to Jul 3
Start indoors: Apr 4 to Apr 18Transplant outside: Jun 6 to Jun 20Sow outdoors: Jun 6 to Jun 20
Start indoors: Apr 4 to Apr 18Transplant outside: May 23 to Jun 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 25Plant for fall: Jun 26 to Jul 17
Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 25Plant for fall: Jul 24 to Aug 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 11 to May 23Plant for fall: Aug 7 to Aug 28
Start indoors: Apr 18 to Apr 25Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 6Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 6Plant for fall: Jul 3 to Jul 17
Start indoors: Apr 18 to Apr 25Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 6Plant for fall: Jul 10 to Jul 24
Start indoors: Apr 18 to Apr 25Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 6
Start indoors: Apr 18 to Apr 25Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 13
Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to May 23Plant for fall: Jun 26 to Jul 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to May 23Plant for fall: Jul 10 to Jul 24
Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to May 16
Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 30Plant for fall: Jul 10 to Jul 24
Sow outdoors: May 2 to May 23Plant for fall: Jul 24 to Aug 14
Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 13Plant for fall: Jul 3 to Jul 17
Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 6
Transplant outside: May 30 to Jun 20
Plant for fall: Sep 4 to Oct 9
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Homestead, MT
| 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 24 – Aug 21 |
| Kale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Broccoli | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 |
| Cabbage | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 |
| 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 | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 23 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| 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 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 2 – May 30 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 30 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
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 Medicine Lake 3 Se, MT weather station, 5 km away (elevation 1,942 ft (592 m)).
Frost dates near Homestead
- Medicine Lake May 16 · Sep 18
- Froid May 16 · Sep 18
- Reserve May 16 · Sep 18
- Dagmar May 16 · Sep 18
- Antelope May 25 · Sep 14
- Culbertson May 21 · Sep 20
- Bainville May 21 · Sep 20
- Plentywood May 25 · Sep 14
- Brockton May 24 · Sep 14
- Redstone May 28 · Sep 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Homestead, MT?
The median last spring frost in Homestead, MT 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 Homestead, MT?
The median first fall frost is September 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 7.
How long is the growing season in Homestead, MT?
About 125 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Homestead, MT?
Homestead, MT is in USDA hardiness zone 3b.