When to plant Shallot in Mower County County,
For Shallot in Mower County County, the safe spring window opens around April 21 and closes around May 12. Last expected frost is April 28, first fall frost October 7, giving a 162-day growing season. A second sowing from July 15 to July 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Mower County, MN
June in the garden — Mower County, Minnesota
Your garden in Mower County, Minnesota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Begin indoor sowing: shallot
You're about 16 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: shallot
- Fall sowing: shallot
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Mower County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 577 feet, Mower County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
Mower County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot 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.
Soil Compatibility in Mower County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Shallot's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mower County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Shallot will thrive.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Shallot Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mower County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Mower County, MN
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Mower County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Mower County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 28 in Mower County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Mower County, MN?
Mower County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mower County, MN?
Mower County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Shallot in Mower County, ?
In Mower County, , plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mower County, for Shallot?
Mower County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Mower County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Mower County's temperate climate. Mower County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.
Your Mower County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mower County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.