When to Plant Tomatoes in Lake of the Woods County, MN
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Lake of the Woods County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake of the Woods County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Lake of the Woods County, MN
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 3a
Growing Season
126 days
Growing Tips for Lake of the Woods County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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