When to Plant Carrots in Pierce County, ND
May in Pierce County, North Dakota — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 3b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Outdoor sowing time: carrots
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Fall sowing: carrots
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Pierce County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 874 feet, Pierce County receives approximately 28.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall.
Pierce County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Pierce County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Carrots prefers (6.0–6.8). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pierce County is excellent for Carrots — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Carrots will thrive.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 30.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pierce County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots 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.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Pierce County, ND
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Pierce County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Pierce County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after May 17 in Pierce County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Recommended Carrots Varieties for Pierce County
Fast-maturing varieties for your season
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Pierce County, ND?
Pierce County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pierce County, ND?
Pierce County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Pierce County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pierce County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.