Becker County, MN — Planting Guide
Becker County is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 729 ft, Becker County receives approximately 35.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 78°F with winter lows around -7°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 29 days year to year — ranging from April 27 in warm years to May 27 in cold years. The growing season is trending longer by about 1.65 days per decade. Becker County scores 63/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
3b (-35°F to -30°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 15
🍂 First Frost
September 25
📅 Growing Season
133 days
⛰️ Elevation
729 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
35.2 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.6 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.4 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.4 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.1 in | 10 days | — | None |
| May | 4.5 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 3.9 in | 9 days | 0.4 in | Low |
| Jul | 4.2 in | 8 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| Aug | 3.7 in | 9 days | 0.6 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 3.4 in | 8 days | 0.9 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 2.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Nov | 2.5 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.1 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 35.3 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Becker County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 27 | Oct 9 | 135 days |
| Cautious | May 19 | Sep 30 | 134 days |
| Average year | May 15 | Sep 25 | 133 days |
| Optimistic | May 10 | Sep 18 | 131 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 27 | Sep 11 | 137 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±29 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 1.7 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Becker County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Becker County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Becker County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Becker County University of Minnesota Extension Extension Office
Phone: 612-625-8173
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Becker County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Becker County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Becker County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Becker County MN" or "garden center Becker County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Becker County MN" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Becker County Gardeners" or "Minnesota Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
15.7 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.3 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.6 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.7 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| February | 10 hr | 4.4 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.3 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.4 hr | 6.7 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.8 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.7 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.3 hr | 9.5 hr | Long day |
| August | 14 hr | 8.8 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.6 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.1 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.3 hr | 3.1 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jul through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
5 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°F | 17°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 7°F | 15°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 19°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 34°F | 34°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 51°F | 46°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 60°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 69°F | 61°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 69°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 61°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 45°F | 50°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 31°F | 37°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 17°F | 26°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Becker County
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.
Seasonal Risk
View 3 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Becker County
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 19 | Jul 31 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 16 | Jul 17 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Jun 11 | Sep 4 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (3 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oats | Aug 20 | May 1 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 5 | Apr 24 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 16 | May 1 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 12 mph Summer: 9 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
4.8/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (159 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
17,593 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,750 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 35.3 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 17,593 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Becker County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH 6.1–7.1 · Excessively Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 5.5/10
Moderate drought pressure. Drip irrigation and mulching are highly recommended to maintain soil moisture through summer.
Season Tips
133-day frost-free season
Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Becker County
87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Becker County.
Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 8 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 8 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 29 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | May 29 – Jun 19 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 8 | — | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 29 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 25 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 29 | Oct 2 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Oct 2 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 29 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 8 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 11 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 27 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | May 8 | — | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 8 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 8 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 11 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Mar 20 | May 22 | Jun 5 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 2 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Oct 2 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 28 – Oct 9 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 29 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 29 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 35–50 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 13 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 8 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 29 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Becker County
15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Becker County.
Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 12 | Sep 11 – Oct 16 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 12 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 12 | Sep 11 – Oct 16 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Becker County
22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Becker County.
Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | — | 365–730 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 22 | Sep 25 | 120–180 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 22 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Sorrel | Apr 3 | May 8 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 22 | Sep 25 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Becker County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Becker County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Becker County, MN?
Becker County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Becker County, MN?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Becker County falls around May 15. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 27 and May 27 — a 29-day window of variability. Use May 27 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Becker County, MN?
The median first fall frost in Becker County arrives around September 25. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 11; in mild years as late as October 9. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Becker County?
Becker County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 133 days. Focus on short-season varieties and start warm-season crops indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Climate records show the growing season is trending longer by about 1.65 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Becker County for gardening?
Becker County has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 6.1–7.1 and Excessively Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Becker County?
Becker County has commercial agriculture that includes Soybeans, Corn, Hay. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Becker County a good location for home gardening?
Becker County scores 63/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Conditions here are moderate — most common crops grow well with standard timing and care.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Becker 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.
