Keene, ND frost dates
How Keene compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Keene falls between May 8 and June 2, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 5 and October 2.
- The median last frost is 8 days later than the North Dakota median of May 12.
- Its 123-day growing season is longer than 6% of the 372 North Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 139 days).
- The last frost is 8 days later than the zone 4a median of May 12. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 4a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 185 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 8 |
| 50% (median) | May 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 5 |
| 50% (median) | September 20 |
| 90% (late) | October 2 |
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 Keene, ND
Keene, ND frost dates — last frost May 20, first frost Sep 20, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Keene, ND
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Apr 22 – May 27 | Jul 26 – Aug 23 |
| Kale | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Broccoli | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 6 – May 20 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 5 |
| Cabbage | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 5 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 6 – May 20 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 5 |
| Okra | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 | — |
| Basil | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 27 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | Jun 3 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | — | May 27 – Jun 10 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | — | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 22 – Apr 29 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 6 – Jun 3 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 6 – May 27 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 27 – Jun 17 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 3 – Jun 24 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 6 – Oct 11 |
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 Keene 3s, ND weather station, 5 km away (elevation 2,470 ft (753 m)).
Frost dates near Keene
- Mandaree May 20 · Sep 20
- Watford City May 9 · Sep 27
- New Town May 20 · Sep 20
- White Earth May 11 · Sep 26
- Arnegard May 9 · Sep 27
- Ray May 11 · Sep 26
- Tioga May 11 · Sep 26
- Ross May 17 · Sep 23
- Epping May 21 · Sep 21
- Parshall May 17 · Sep 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Keene, ND?
The median last spring frost in Keene, ND is May 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Keene, ND?
The median first fall frost is September 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 5.
How long is the growing season in Keene, ND?
About 123 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Keene, ND?
Keene, ND is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.