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When to plant Beets in Yellowstone County, MT

Plant Beets in Yellowstone County from April 25 to May 16 in spring. Yellowstone County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around May 9 and first frost on October 3. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Yellowstone County, MT

Beets

Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Yellowstone County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 7,432 feet, Yellowstone County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.

Yellowstone County, MT (Zone 5a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Yellowstone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Beets Planting Timeline — Yellowstone County, MT

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 18
Fall Sowing July 25 Jul 25 – Aug 8

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Yellowstone County

Growing Tips for Yellowstone County

Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in Yellowstone County, MT?

Yellowstone County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Yellowstone County, MT?

Yellowstone County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Beets in Yellowstone County, MT?

In Yellowstone County, MT, plant Beets after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Yellowstone County, MT for Beets?

Yellowstone County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Yellowstone County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Yellowstone County's temperate climate. Yellowstone County averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Yellowstone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Yellowstone County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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