Lake County, MN — Planting Guide
Lake County is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 1,191 ft, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 81°F with winter lows around -1°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 45 days year to year — ranging from May 3 in warm years to June 18 in cold years. The growing season is trending longer by about 0.66 days per decade. Lake County scores 72/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
3b (-35°F to -30°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
June 1
🍂 First Frost
September 12
📅 Growing Season
103 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,191 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
36.6 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 | 1.4 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.7 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.7 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.2 in | 9 days | — | None |
| May | 4.6 in | 11 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 5.2 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 3.9 in | 7 days | 0.4 in | Low |
| Aug | 4.2 in | 9 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| Sep | 3 in | 7 days | 1.3 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 2.4 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Nov | 2.3 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.1 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 36.7 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.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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) | Jun 18 | Oct 9 | 113 days |
| Cautious | Jun 11 | Sep 25 | 106 days |
| Average year | Jun 1 | Sep 12 | 103 days |
| Optimistic | May 20 | Sep 4 | 107 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | May 3 | Aug 13 | 102 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±45 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Slightly — seasons are trending a bit longer (0.7 days/decade). Historical frost dates are still reliable for planning.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Lake County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Lake 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 Lake County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Lake 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 Lake County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Lake County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Lake 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 Lake County MN" or "garden center Lake 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 Lake County MN" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Lake 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.
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
9.7 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 | 8.6 hr | 3.4 hr | Short day |
| February | 10 hr | 4.3 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.4 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.9 hr | 8.9 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.7 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.4 hr | 9.7 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.1 hr | 8.7 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.6 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.3 hr | 3 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 Jun through Aug.
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 | 6°F | 16°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 8°F | 16°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 20°F | 21°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 34°F | 33°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 51°F | 45°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 63°F | 54°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 67°F | 60°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 70°F | 64°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 59°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 44°F | 48°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 30°F | 37°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 16°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 Lake 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 4 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Flea beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| 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 Lake 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 | Jun 8 | Jul 4 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | May 3 | Jul 4 | ✓ 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 19 | Aug 29 | — | 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 15 | May 18 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jun 12 | May 18 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 8 | May 11 | — | 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: 11 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.3/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (166 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
18,291 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 1,500 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 36.7 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 18,291 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 Lake County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH 5.9–6.8 · Excessively Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 3.5/10
Low-to-moderate drought stress. Plan to water 1–2 times per week during peak summer. (36.6 in. annual rainfall)
Season Tips
103-day frost-free season
A short season means indoor starts are critical for warm-season crops. Prioritise cold-hardy, fast-maturing varieties and use row covers to extend autumn harvests.
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 Lake County
87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Lake County.
Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 14 – Oct 19 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 21 – Oct 26 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jun 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | Jun 15 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 21 – Oct 26 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 6 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 14 – Oct 19 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 12 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 75–100 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Jun 15 | Oct 19 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Oct 5 – Oct 26 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 21 – Oct 19 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jun 15 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 25 | — | Sep 7 – Sep 28 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 16 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 24 – Oct 26 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 31 – Oct 26 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 21 – Oct 26 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | May 25 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 25 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 21 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 25 | — | Sep 7 – Sep 28 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Apr 6 | Jun 8 | Jun 22 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Jun 15 | — | Sep 7 – Oct 19 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 21 – Oct 19 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Sep 14 – Oct 26 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Jun 15 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 31 – Oct 19 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 35–50 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 24 – Oct 26 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 25 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 20 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jun 15 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 20 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Lake County
15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Lake County.
Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 29 | Sep 28 – Nov 2 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 29 | Sep 28 – Nov 2 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Lake County
22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Lake County.
Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | — | 365–730 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 20 – Sep 7 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Jun 8 | Oct 12 | 120–180 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 24 – Oct 12 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Jun 8 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 60–80 |
| Sorrel | Apr 20 | May 25 | May 25 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 40–60 |
| Valerian | — | — | Jun 8 | Oct 12 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Lake County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Lake County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Lake County, MN?
Lake 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 Lake County, MN?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Lake County falls around June 1. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between May 3 and June 18 — a 45-day window of variability. Use June 18 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Lake County, MN?
The median first fall frost in Lake County arrives around September 12. In cold years it can arrive as early as August 13; 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 Lake County?
Lake County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 103 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 0.66 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Lake County for gardening?
Lake County has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 5.9–6.8 and Excessively Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Lake County?
Lake County has commercial agriculture that includes Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Dairy, Sweet Corn. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Lake County a good location for home gardening?
Lake County scores 72/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake 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.
