Minnesota Planting Zones

Image from USDA

Characteristics of Minnesota’s Planting Region

Minnesota features a continental climate, defined by long, cold winters and warm, often humid summers. Due to the state's size and topographical variation, growing conditions can change significantly from north to south. As a Minnesota gardener, expect:

• Harsh winters, with average lows reaching -30°F (-34°C) in northern regions
• Shorter growing seasons, typically 90 to 160 frost-free days
• Summer highs ranging from 78°F to 85°F (26°C to 29°C)
• Consistent rainfall, averaging 25-32 inches annually, mainly in late spring and summer
• Late spring frosts and early autumn chills, especially in the north

Minnesota's growing season is short – but with planning, it's surprisingly productive. Southern regions near Rochester and Minneapolis benefit from a longer season, while northern towns like Bemidji and Ely rely on cold-hardy crops and clever timing.

Challenges of Growing in Minnesota

Winter Extremes

Minnesota's winters are among the coldest in the U.S., particularly in the north. These temperatures limit perennials, damage root systems, and require serious planning for overwintering plants.

Short Growing Season

Depending on location, gardeners may have only three to five months of viable outdoor growing. Crops need to mature quickly or be started indoors to succeed.

Unpredictable Weather 

Late spring frosts, summer storms, and dry spells in August are all part of Minnesota gardening. These fluctuations can stress plants and disrupt crop yields.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Minnesota

A greenhouse can revolutionize your gardening experience in Minnesota, offering protection from cold snaps and significantly extending your season.

1. Extend Your Growing Season 

• Without a Greenhouse: Most gardeners plant outdoors in mid-to-late May and wrap up by mid-September.
• With a Greenhouse: You can begin sowing seeds in early March and continue harvesting through late November, even growing cold-tolerant crops into winter.

Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Minnesota.

Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Minnesota

2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables Without a Greenhouse: 

• Without a Greenhouse: 

You're mostly limited to cool-weather staples like: 
Carrots, lettuce, beets, peas, kale, radishes, potatoes, squash, onions

• With a Greenhouse: 

You unlock a much wider range, including