When to Plant Shallot in McIntosh County, ND
May in the garden — McIntosh County, North Dakota
May is a pivotal month for McIntosh County, North Dakota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Time to transplant shallot
Your last frost (May 12) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Put shallot seeds straight in the ground
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: 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.
McIntosh County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 659 feet, McIntosh County receives approximately 21.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Shallot to ensure they mature before fall.
McIntosh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 McIntosh County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McIntosh County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Shallot will thrive.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in McIntosh 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 — McIntosh County, ND
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in McIntosh County
Growing Tips for Shallot in McIntosh County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after May 12 in McIntosh 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.
McIntosh County receives only 21" of rain annually. Shallot needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 McIntosh County, ND?
McIntosh County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McIntosh County, ND?
McIntosh County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your McIntosh County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McIntosh 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.