When to Plant Carrots in McHenry County, ND
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
McHenry County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 661 feet, McHenry County receives approximately 22.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall.
McHenry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Carrots Planting Timeline — McHenry County, ND
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 3b
Growing Season
128 days
Growing Tips for McHenry County
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in McHenry County, ND?
McHenry County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McHenry County, ND?
McHenry County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McHenry County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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