When to Plant Vegetables in MN
Minnesota can be a challenging place to know when to plant vegetables. With hot summers, cold winters, and a wide variety of soils, you may need to tailor your gardening calendar to your own specific location and needs.
Spring Planting
Spring planting season in Minnesota typically runs from March through mid-May depending on your location, soil moisture, and type of vegetables. Many vegetables can be planted earlier in the spring, some can be started as seeds indoors, or even earlier in cold frames, and some can be sown directly into the ground, such as:
- Early Crop Vegetables: Radishes, greens, turnips, peas, spinach, lettuce, and kale
- Cool Weather Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, onions, potatoes, and beets
Summer Planting
Summer in Minnesota typically runs from June through early August. Many vegetables that need warm conditions, such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, and pumpkins, can be planted during this time. Other vegetables that thrive in the summer heat include:
- Warm Weather Vegetables: Corn, okra, green beans, eggplant, melons, and cucumbers
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, mint, dill, and chives
- Spring Replantings: Swiss chard, beets, lettuce, and spinach
Fall Planting
Fall in Minnesota runs from late August through late October. This is when you will want to plant your cool-weather crops, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Other vegetables that can be planted later in the fall include:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, collards, mustard, and turnips
- Root Vegetables: Beets, carrots, onions, and potatoes
- Legumes: Peas, beans, and lentils
No matter what season it is, proper soil preparation and fertilization are essential for planting vegetables in Minnesota. Additionally, you will want to consider frost dates in your area in order to determine the best time to plant certain vegetables. If you follow the tips in this article, you will have a successful vegetable garden in Minnesota.
