Steele County, ND — Planting Guide
Steele County is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 624 ft, Steele County receives approximately 21.9 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 80°F with winter lows around -7°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 26 days year to year — ranging from April 26 in warm years to May 23 in cold years. The growing season is trending shorter by about 1.43 days per decade. Steele County scores 59/100 (Moderate) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
3b (-35°F to -30°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 11
🍂 First Frost
October 1
📅 Growing Season
143 days
⛰️ Elevation
624 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
21.9 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 | 0.6 in | 3 days | — | None |
| Feb | 0.6 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.3 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.4 in | 7 days | — | None |
| May | 3.5 in | 9 days | 0.8 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 4.1 in | 9 days | 0.2 in | Low |
| Jul | 2.4 in | 8 days | 1.9 in | High |
| Aug | 2.4 in | 6 days | 1.9 in | High |
| Sep | 1.9 in | 5 days | 2.4 in | High |
| Oct | 1.4 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Nov | 0.8 in | 4 days | — | None |
| Dec | 0.6 in | 4 days | — | None |
Annual total: 22 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.
Steele County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 23 | Oct 14 | 144 days |
| Cautious | May 15 | Oct 6 | 144 days |
| Average year | May 11 | Oct 1 | 143 days |
| Optimistic | May 7 | Sep 27 | 143 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 26 | Sep 17 | 144 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±26 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 1.4 days per decade). Use the "Conservative" dates and choose fast-maturing varieties.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Steele County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
Local Gardening Help in Steele 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 Steele County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Steele 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 Steele County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Steele County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Steele 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 Steele County ND" or "garden center Steele 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 Steele County ND" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Steele 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
15.7 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.3 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
11.2 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 | 8.7 hr | 4.8 hr | Short day |
| February | 10 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 6.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.4 hr | 8.2 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.9 hr | 8.9 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.7 hr | 11.2 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.4 hr | 11.2 hr | Long day |
| August | 14.1 hr | 9.8 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.6 hr | 6.9 hr | Short day |
| November | 9 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.3 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 Aug.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
5 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 | 7°F | 16°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 6°F | 15°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 18°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 36°F | 34°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 51°F | 46°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 63°F | 56°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 67°F | 62°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 68°F | 64°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 60°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 46°F | 48°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 32°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 18°F | 26°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 Steele 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 3 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Slugs | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
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 Steele 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 19 | Jul 30 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 11 | Jul 23 | ✓ 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 25 | Sep 3 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (3 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oats | Aug 17 | Apr 27 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 9 | Apr 27 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 3 | Apr 20 | — | 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: 11 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
6.6/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (387 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
10,964 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 2,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Nov, 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 22.0 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 10,964 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Nov)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Steele County
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH 6.5–7.2 · Well 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
143-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.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
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 Steele County
87 vegetables that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Steele County.
Show all 87 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 25 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 25 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | May 25 – Jun 15 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 25 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 75–100 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 25 | Sep 28 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Sep 28 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 25 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Aug 24 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 40–60 |
| Microgreens | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | May 18 – Jun 15 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 4 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 7 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 17 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 23 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | May 4 | — | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 4 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 4 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 7 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Mar 16 | May 18 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 25 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 31 – Sep 28 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 25 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 25 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 35–50 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 9 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 4 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 11 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 40–60 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 25 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 30 | May 25 | Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Steele County
15 fruits that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Steele County.
Show all 15 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 12 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Steele County
22 herbs that grow well in Zone 3b with planting dates for Steele County.
Show all 22 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 18 | Aug 17 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jun 29 – Aug 17 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 18 | Sep 21 | 120–180 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 18 | Aug 3 – Sep 21 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 18 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 7 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 18 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 18 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 60–80 |
| Sorrel | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 40–60 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 18 | Sep 21 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 18 | Aug 17 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Steele County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Steele County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Steele County, ND?
Steele County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. 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 Steele County, ND?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Steele County falls around May 11. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 26 and May 23 — a 26-day window of variability. Use May 23 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Steele County, ND?
The median first fall frost in Steele County arrives around October 1. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 17; in mild years as late as October 14. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Steele County?
Steele County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 143 days. Focus on short-season varieties and start warm-season crops indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Climate records show the growing season is trending shorter by about 1.43 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Steele County for gardening?
Steele County has predominantly Loam soil with a pH range of 6.5–7.2 and Well Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Steele County?
Steele County has commercial agriculture that includes Wheat, Corn, Hay, Soybeans, Cattle. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Steele County a good location for home gardening?
Steele County scores 59/100 (Moderate) 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Steele County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.
