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When to Plant Scallions in Valley County, MT

Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.

Valley County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.

At an elevation of 8,293 feet, Valley County receives approximately 23.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall.

Valley County, MT (Zone 3b) Short season
131 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
131 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Valley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Aug 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 23 Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Aug 27

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 358 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scallions needs ~600 GDD — county provides 1,310 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Valley County, MT

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 27
Fall Sowing June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Jul 13
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 โ€“ Aug 5

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 3b

Growing Season

131 days

Growing Tips for Valley County

Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scallions in Valley County, MT?

Valley County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Valley County, MT?

Valley County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Valley County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Valley County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.