Richland County, ND — Planting Guide
May to-do list for Richland County, North Dakota
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Richland County, North Dakota.
-
Move basil, cucumber, and kale from tray to bed
Frost risk is low now in Richland County, North Dakota. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
-
Direct-sow basil, cucumber, and green beans
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
-
Pick radish, cress, and microgreens
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of June
- Transplants going out: alpine strawberries, aronia, and blueberries
- Starting indoors: cucumber, kale, and lettuce
- First harvests: lettuce, radish, and arugula
Richland County is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 791 ft, Richland County receives approximately 28.3 in of rainfall annually. The predominant soil type is Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 29 days year to year — ranging from April 18 in warm years to May 17 in cold years. The growing season is trending shorter by about 1.73 days per decade. Richland County scores 62/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
4a (°F to °F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 6
🍂 First Frost
October 6
📅 Growing Season
153 days
⛰️ Elevation
791 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
28.3 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.8 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.9 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.9 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.8 in | 9 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| May | 4.2 in | 10 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| Jun | 4.5 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 3.5 in | 8 days | 0.8 in | Moderate |
| Aug | 3.6 in | 6 days | 0.7 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 2.8 in | 5 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 1.7 in | 5 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Nov | 1 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.7 in | 4 days | — | None |
Annual total: 28.4 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.
Richland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.7
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 17 | Oct 16 | 152 days |
| Cautious | May 12 | Oct 9 | 150 days |
| Average year | May 6 | Oct 6 | 153 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 27 | Sep 30 | 156 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 18 | Sep 19 | 154 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±29 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 shorter here (about 1.7 days per decade). Use the "Conservative" dates and choose fast-maturing varieties.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Richland County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Richland 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 Richland County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Richland County North Dakota State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 701-231-8944
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 Richland County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Richland County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Richland 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 Richland County ND" or "garden center Richland 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 Richland County ND" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Richland County Gardeners" or "North Dakota 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
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
15.6 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.4 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.7 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 | 8.8 hr | 4.8 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.1 hr | 6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 6.7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.3 hr | 8.2 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.8 hr | 9 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.6 hr | 10.7 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.2 hr | 10.4 hr | Long day |
| August | 14 hr | 10.2 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8.1 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.6 hr | 7.1 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.2 hr | 5.1 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.4 hr | 4.6 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°F | 24°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 15°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 25°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 39°F | 41°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 53°F | 51°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 63°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 71°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 73°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 65°F | 64°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 50°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 36°F | 44°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 21°F | 32°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 Richland County
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
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 | Low | 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 Richland County
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 18 | Aug 11 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 8 | Jul 28 | ✓ 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 27 | Sep 22 | — | 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 | Aug 15 | Apr 22 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 20 | Apr 22 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 6 | Apr 22 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 14 | Apr 22 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 13 | Apr 22 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 16 mph Summer: 13 mph
Fall: 12 mph Winter: 15 mph
Prevailing wind: S. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the S side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
6.8/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (274 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
14,154 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
7 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
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, 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 28.4 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 14,154 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Richland County
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH 6.5–7.7 · Excessively Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 5.5/10
Moderate drought pressure. Drip irrigation and mulching are highly recommended to maintain soil moisture through summer.
Season Tips
153-day frost-free season
Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 24-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Richland County
96 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Richland County.
Show all 96 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 20 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 30 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | May 20 – Jun 10 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 29 | — | Sep 30 – Sep 23 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 20 | — | Aug 5 – Sep 16 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 20 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 20 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | May 13 – Jun 10 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Jul 8 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 29 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 18 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 5 – Oct 14 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Oct 14 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 29 | — | May 27 – Jun 17 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 29 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 11 | May 13 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 20 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 20 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 20 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 29 – Oct 7 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 29 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | May 6 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 20 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Richland County
22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Richland County.
Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 3 | Sep 2 – Oct 28 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 12 – Sep 16 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 3 | Aug 26 – Oct 7 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 3 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 3 | Sep 2 – Oct 28 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Richland County
32 herbs that grow well in Zone 4a with planting dates for Richland County.
Show all 32 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 11 | May 13 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 13 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 24 – Aug 12 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 13 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 | 120–180 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 13 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 2 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 13 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 13 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 11 | May 13 | May 27 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 13 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 13 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Richland County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Richland County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Richland County, ND?
Richland County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Richland County, ND?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Richland County falls around May 6. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 18 and May 17 — a 29-day window of variability. Use May 17 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Richland County, ND?
The median first fall frost in Richland County arrives around October 6. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 19; in mild years as late as October 16. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Richland County?
Richland County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 153 days. This is enough time for most warm-season crops including tomatoes, peppers, and squash with proper timing. Climate records show the growing season is trending shorter by about 1.73 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Richland County for gardening?
Richland County has predominantly Loam soil with a pH range of 6.5–7.7 and Excessively Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Richland County?
Richland County has commercial agriculture that includes Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Richland County a good location for home gardening?
Richland County scores 62/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Conditions here are moderate — most common crops grow well with standard timing and care.
Your Richland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Richland County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log