What to Plant in Minnesota

Your complete gardening guide for Minnesota (USDA Zones 3–5, typically Zone 4). Browse 1814 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.

Last Frost

April 30 – May 15

By zone (5 → 3)

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First Frost

September 15 – October 5

By zone (3 → 5)

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Growing Season

120–155 days

Shortest → longest

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Varieties

1814

across 28 categories

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Growing Season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Frost Risk
Growing Season (135d)

Plant after May 10 · Harvest before September 25

Minnesota · Zones 3–5

All Zone 4 plants →

Minnesota spans Zones 3–5. The timeline above shows typical Zone 4 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.

Best Crops for Minnesota

1,814 varieties across 28 categories

Alliums in Minnesota

Alliums

44 varieties for Minnesota

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.

Beans & Legumes in Minnesota

Beans & Legumes

84 varieties for Minnesota

Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.

Berries & Fruits in Minnesota

Berries & Fruits

29 varieties for Minnesota

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.

Brassicas in Minnesota

Brassicas

79 varieties for Minnesota

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.

Corn in Minnesota

Corn

32 varieties for Minnesota

Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.

Cucumbers in Minnesota

Cucumbers

31 varieties for Minnesota

Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.

Eggplants in Minnesota

Eggplants

29 varieties for Minnesota

Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.

Flowers in Minnesota

Flowers

523 varieties for Minnesota

Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.

Fruit Trees in Minnesota

Fruit Trees

27 varieties for Minnesota

Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.

Grasses & Bamboo in Minnesota

Grasses & Bamboo

29 varieties for Minnesota

Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.

Ground Covers in Minnesota

Ground Covers

23 varieties for Minnesota

Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.

Herbs in Minnesota

Herbs

82 varieties for Minnesota

Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.

Lettuce & Salad Greens in Minnesota

Lettuce & Salad Greens

110 varieties for Minnesota

Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.

Melons in Minnesota

Melons

38 varieties for Minnesota

Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.

Microgreens in Minnesota

Microgreens

57 varieties for Minnesota

Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.

Native Wildflowers in Minnesota

Native Wildflowers

87 varieties for Minnesota

Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.

Nut Trees in Minnesota

Nut Trees

23 varieties for Minnesota

Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.

Ornamental Trees in Minnesota

Ornamental Trees

33 varieties for Minnesota

Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.

Peas in Minnesota

Peas

35 varieties for Minnesota

Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.

Peppers in Minnesota

Peppers

73 varieties for Minnesota

Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.

Root Vegetables in Minnesota

Root Vegetables

56 varieties for Minnesota

Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.

Roses in Minnesota

Roses

55 varieties for Minnesota

Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.

Shade Trees in Minnesota

Shade Trees

32 varieties for Minnesota

Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.

Shrubs & Hedges in Minnesota

Shrubs & Hedges

43 varieties for Minnesota

Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.

Squash & Cucumbers in Minnesota

Squash & Cucumbers

60 varieties for Minnesota

Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.

Tomatoes in Minnesota

Tomatoes

90 varieties for Minnesota

From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.

Tropical Plants in Minnesota

Tropical Plants

2 varieties for Minnesota

Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.

Vines & Climbers in Minnesota

Vines & Climbers

8 varieties for Minnesota

Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.

Monthly Planting Guides for Minnesota

Other Regions Overlapping Zones 3–5

United States

Canada