Box Elder, MT — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
What to do in June
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Hill County, Montana.
-
Time to transplant basil, cucumber, and peppers
Your last frost (May 14) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
-
Fire up the seed-starting tray: cucumber, kale, and lettuce
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
-
Basket week: lettuce, radish, and arugula
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: basil, peppers, and pole beans
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
- Fall sowing: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Box Elder sits in Zone 4a — a short, intense growing season. Your last spring frost lands around May 14 and the first fall frost arrives by September 23, giving you roughly 132 frost-free days. Start warm-season crops indoors weeks before the calendar tells you to, prioritize cold-hardy varieties, and use row covers, cold frames, or low tunnels to stretch fall harvests deep into autumn. Brassicas, root crops, and short-season tomatoes are your reliable winners.
Soils trend Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Box Elder averages 28.4 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
4a (-30°F to -25°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 14
🍂 Avg. First Frost
September 23
📅 Growing Season
132 days
🌧️ Climate
Moderate 26.0" annual
💨 Wind
Breezy 10.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
28.4 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Box Elder
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
For new gardeners: In Box Elder, the watering question isn't "how often" — it's "is the soil moist 4 inches down?" Stick a finger in. Dry? Water. Damp? Wait. The 26" annual rainfall is just the starting context.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.9 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.3 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.4 in | 8 days | 2.9 in | High |
| May | 1.7 in | 7 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Jun | 1.1 in | 4 days | 3.2 in | Critical |
| Jul | 1.2 in | 5 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Aug | 1.6 in | 7 days | 2.7 in | High |
| Sep | 1.2 in | 6 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Oct | 1.2 in | 5 days | 3.1 in | Critical |
| Nov | 1.1 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.7 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 14.4 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.
Box Elder Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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 28 | Oct 4 | 129 days |
| Cautious | May 21 | Sep 27 | 129 days |
| Average year | May 14 | Sep 23 | 132 days |
| Optimistic | May 11 | Sep 18 | 130 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | May 3 | Sep 12 | 132 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±25 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 3.8 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Hill County has challenging growing conditions. Season extension and careful variety selection are essential.
Local Gardening Help in Hill 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 Hill County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Hill County Montana State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 406-994-3402
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 Hill County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Hill County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Hill 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 Hill County MT" or "garden center Hill 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 Hill County MT" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Hill County Gardeners" or "Montana 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 in Box Elder
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Quick context: Lettuce and cilantro "bolt" (go to seed) when days lengthen. Knowing your day-length curve helps you time spring plantings to harvest before the bolting trigger hits. Box Elder's daylight ranges shape the planting calendar.
Longest Day
15.9 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.1 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
11.8 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 | 8.5 hr | 4.7 hr | Short day |
| February | 9.9 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 7.1 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.4 hr | 7.7 hr | Neutral |
| May | 15 hr | 9.5 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.9 hr | 11.8 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.5 hr | 10.5 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.2 hr | 9.9 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8.7 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.5 hr | 6.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 8.9 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.1 hr | 4.5 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Box Elder
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why it matters: Cold soil = stunted starts. A bean seed planted in 55°F soil rots before it germinates. Same seed in 65°F soil sprouts in 5 days. Box Elder's soil temperature pattern shows you the difference month to month.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil rarely reaches 60°F — use black plastic mulch to warm soil.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
4 months
Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -0°F | 9°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 2°F | 7°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 12°F | 14°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 24°F | 25°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 39°F | 34°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Jun | 51°F | 44°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 56°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Aug | 59°F | 54°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Sep | 50°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 37°F | 39°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Nov | 24°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 5°F | 16°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 Box Elder
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
For new gardeners: Pest score isn't pass/fail. It's a planning input. Higher scores mean: more compost (resilient plants), wider spacing (air circulation), resistant varieties (built-in defense), and inspection (catch issues at egg stage).
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Colorado potato beetle | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Box Elder
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
The practical takeaway: Bare soil is wasted soil — it loses nutrients to rain, dries out, compacts, and gets taken over by weeds. Cover crops (clovers, ryegrass, vetch, peas) are the "between seasons" trick that makes soil better every year. In Box Elder, you can fit a cover crop into the gaps.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 17 | Jul 22 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 19 | Jul 22 | ✓ 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 | May 28 | Aug 26 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (5 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikon radish | Jul 26 | Apr 30 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 17 | Apr 23 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 27 | Apr 30 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jun 26 | Apr 23 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 20 | Apr 30 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Box Elder
For new gardeners: Wind dries soil, knocks over young transplants, and disrupts pollination for bees and butterflies. Box Elder averages 10.0 mph — above 10 mph means windbreaks (shrubs, fences, taller crops to windward), staked tomatoes from day one, and an extra round of watering during dry windy spells. Lower wind = lower water bills and fewer broken stems.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 15 mph Summer: 11 mph
Fall: 13 mph Winter: 15 mph
Prevailing wind: W. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the W side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
7.2/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
High
Hilly terrain with 2,633 ft of elevation range — cold air pools in low spots. Avoid planting frost-sensitive crops in valleys.
Rainwater Harvesting in Box Elder
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
What this means for you: Rainwater scales linearly with roof area. A 2,000 sq ft roof in Box Elder captures ~1,200 gallons per 1" of rain — given 26" annual rainfall, that's thousands of gallons a year if you have storage to hold it.
Annual Collection
7,176 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
8 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,000 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Mar, Apr, May, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
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 14.4 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 7,176 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- In your dry climate, every drop counts — consider a larger cistern system
- Position collection tanks in shade to reduce evaporation and algae growth
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Box Elder
95 vegetables matched to Zone 4a with planting dates calibrated for Box Elder.
Show all 95 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 22 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Sep 3 – Oct 8 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 28 | — | — | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 8 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Aug 27 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 28 | — | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | May 28 – Jun 18 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 20 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Oct 8 – Oct 1 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 28 | — | — | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 12 | Nov 11 – Jan 6 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 28 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 28 | — | Oct 1 – Oct 22 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 1 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 28 | — | — | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 28 | — | — | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | May 21 – Jun 18 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Aug 20 – Oct 1 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 20 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 26 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 15 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 22 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 22 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Aug 20 – Oct 1 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 19 | May 21 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 28 | — | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 1 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 22 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 28 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 28 | — | — | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 15 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 12 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 15 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 7 | — | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 14 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 28 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Apr 2 | May 28 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Box Elder
22 fruits matched to Zone 4a with planting dates calibrated for Box Elder.
Show all 22 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | Sep 10 – Nov 5 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 11 | — | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 11 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 11 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 15 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 11 | — | Sep 10 – Nov 5 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Box Elder
30 herbs matched to Zone 4a with planting dates calibrated for Box Elder.
Show all 30 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 19 | May 21 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | Jul 1 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 19 | May 21 | Jun 4 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 21 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Box Elder
49 flowers matched to Zone 4a with planting dates calibrated for Box Elder.
Show all 49 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 12 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 | 28–42 |
| Astilbe | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 26 | Apr 30 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 5 | May 14 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 29 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 26 | Apr 30 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 17 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 2 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 5 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 29 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 16 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 12 | Jun 17 – Jul 8 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 12 | Jun 24 – Jul 15 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 16 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 29 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 12 | Apr 23 | May 7 | — | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 5 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 29 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 5 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 19 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Nov 5 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 21 | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 22 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 12 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 12 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 20 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 9 | — | — | Jun 18 – Jul 30 | 60–90 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 22 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 5 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 5 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Apr 2 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 8 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 16 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 8 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 26 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 27 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 12 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 15 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 5 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 22 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 2 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 29 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Oct 1 – Nov 19 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 26 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 23 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 19 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 26 | Apr 9 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 12 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 5 | May 14 | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 16 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 15 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Box Elder
ZIP Codes in Box Elder
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):