Theilman 1SSW, MN Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Theilman 1SSW garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 7
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 2
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
148 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 5a
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 24 May 7 May 22
First fall frost Oct 15 Oct 2 Sep 20
Hard freeze (28°F), median last Apr 28 · first Oct 12

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the THEILMAN 1SSW station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Theilman 1SSW

Computed from Theilman 1SSW's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-5 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 12 – Mar 26 May 14 – May 21
🫑 Peppers Feb 26 – Mar 12 May 21 – May 28
🥬 Lettuce Mar 26 – Apr 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23 Apr 9 – May 7
🫛 Peas Mar 26 – Apr 9
🥕 Carrots Apr 16 – May 7
🥦 Broccoli Mar 19 – Apr 2 Apr 16 – Apr 30
🥬 Kale Mar 26 – Apr 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23 Apr 9 – Apr 23
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 9 – Apr 16 May 14 – May 21 May 14 – May 21
🥒 Zucchini Apr 9 – Apr 16 May 14 – May 21 May 14 – May 21
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 14 – May 21
🌽 Sweet Corn May 14 – May 21
🌿 Basil Mar 26 – Apr 9 May 14 – May 21 May 21 – May 28
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 21 – Sep 18

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Theilman 1SSW's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Theilman 1SSW

At about 148 frost-free days, Theilman 1SSW rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Theilman 1SSW, MN?

The average last spring frost in Theilman 1SSW is around May 7, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Theilman 1SSW, MN?

The average first fall frost in Theilman 1SSW arrives around Oct 2. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Theilman 1SSW?

About 148 frost-free days on average, from May 7 to Oct 2. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Theilman 1SSW in?

USDA zone 5a on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.