Montana Planting Zones

Montana's vast and varied landscape spans over 147,000 square miles and encompasses rugged mountain ranges, sweeping plains, and picturesque valleys.

The state experiences diverse growing conditions across USDA planting zones 3a to 6b, making Montana a unique yet challenging environment for gardeners.

From hardy root vegetables in the colder regions to an array of flowers and berries in the milder valleys, Montana offers opportunities for cultivating a rich variety of plants.

In this article, you will learn:

Whether cultivating a vegetable garden in Missoula or managing a flower bed in Bozeman, understanding Montana’s dynamic climate is essential for gardening success.

The state’s agricultural diversity, including wheat fields, native plants, and hearty fruits, reflects its distinct and versatile growing conditions.

Montana

Image from USDA

Characteristics of Montana’s Planting Region

Montana’s climate is primarily continental, characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers.

The state's varied topography, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to expansive grasslands, creates unique microclimates influencing gardening conditions.

As a gardener in Big Sky Country, you can expect:

  • Cold winters, with January temperatures ranging from -5°F to 20°F (-20.5°C to -6.6°C) depending on elevation and location.
  • Most regions have short growing seasons, often lasting 90 to 120 frost-free days.
  • Warm summers, with July temperatures averaging 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
  • Occasional extreme weather events, including late frosts, hailstorms, and high winds.

Montana's growing season varies widely based on elevation and location, with frost dates typically spanning late May to early September. Gardeners in lower valleys enjoy longer seasons compared to those in higher altitudes.

Challenges of Growing in Montana

Short Growing Season

The limited frost-free period can make it difficult to grow long-season crops without proper planning or greenhouse use.

Soil Composition

Montana soils often contain a mix of clay, silt, and sand, impacting drainage and nutrient retention. Testing and amending soil is essential for success.

Harsh Winters and Late Frosts

Severe winter conditions and unpredictable frosts can damage plants, requiring hardy varieties and careful planning for spring planting.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Montana

A greenhouse is a valuable tool for overcoming Montana's gardening challenges and extending the growing season.

1. Extend Your Growing Season 

  • Without a Greenhouse: Outdoor planting generally begins in late May and concludes by early September in many areas.
  • With a Greenhouse: Start seeds as early as March and continue harvesting well into October, or grow year-round for certain crops. This is especially advantageous for crops like lettuce, spinach, and herbs that thrive in controlled environments.

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

Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Montana

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

  • Without a Greenhouse: 

Montana’s conditions support cold-hardy crops like:

  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Beets
  • Kale
  • Peas
  • With a Greenhouse: 

Grow delicate or long-season crops like:

  • Arugula,
  • Spinach, 
  • Broccoli,
  • Cauliflower, 
  • Brussels sprouts, 
  • Tomatoes, 
  • Peppers,
  • Eggplant, Cucumbers, environment)
  • Cilantro
  • melons, 
  • Zucchini, 
  • Carrots, 
  • Beets, 
  • Radishes)
  • Kale, 
  • Swiss chard,
  • Collard greens)
  • Basil, 
  • Parsley,
  • Rosemary,
  • Thyme, 
  • Green beans, Green onions,
  • Leeks)
  • Lemons,
  • Limes,
  • Kumquats,
  • Figs

Why Planta Greenhouses?

For Montana, we recommend the following greenhouses:

Back to Planting Zones