Sawyer, ND frost dates
How Sawyer compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Sawyer falls between May 8 and June 3, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 10 and October 1.
- The median last frost is 10 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 10 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 197 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 8 |
| 50% (median) | May 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 10 |
| 50% (median) | September 22 |
| 90% (late) | October 1 |
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 Sawyer, ND
Sawyer, ND frost dates — last frost May 22, first frost Sep 22, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Sawyer, ND
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 1 – May 15 | Apr 24 – May 29 | Jul 28 – Aug 25 |
| Kale | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Broccoli | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 8 – May 22 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 7 |
| Cabbage | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 7 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 8 – May 22 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 7 |
| Okra | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — |
| Basil | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 24 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 12 | May 29 – Jun 12 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 24 – May 1 | — | May 29 – Jun 12 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 24 – May 1 | — | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 24 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Beets | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 8 – Jun 5 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 8 – Oct 13 |
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 Velva, ND weather station, 10 km away (elevation 1,509 ft (460 m)).
Frost dates near Sawyer
- Velva May 22 · Sep 22
- Surrey May 10 · Oct 1
- Norwich May 9 · Oct 1
- Voltaire May 22 · Sep 22
- Minot May 10 · Oct 1
- Granville May 9 · Oct 1
- Benedict May 10 · Sep 28
- Burlington May 10 · Oct 1
- Max May 10 · Sep 28
- Deering May 9 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sawyer, ND?
The median last spring frost in Sawyer, ND is May 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Sawyer, ND?
The median first fall frost is September 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 10.
How long is the growing season in Sawyer, ND?
About 123 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sawyer, ND?
Sawyer, ND is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.