Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 55308 — Becker, MN

ZIP code 55308 (Becker, Sherburne County) is in USDA zone 4b: the coldest winter night averages −25 to −20 °F. The median last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost September 28.

Where ZIP 55308 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone4b−25 to −20 °F

Coldest night−31.7 to −28.9 °C

Last frostMay 7

First frostSep 28

2012 zone4a

Was 4a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 4b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Becker, MN…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Becker, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 7median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 22only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 28median — 10% chance by Sep 15

Growing season144 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 28 and returns around October 8.

From the NOAA station Santiago 3 E, MN — 10 miles away, elevation 1,011 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 55308

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 16

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 26 – Mar 12

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 16 – Apr 30

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 16 – Apr 30

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 16 – Apr 30

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

TomatoesTransplant · May 14 – May 28

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 26 – Mar 12

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 21 – Jun 4

BeansSow outdoors · May 14 – May 28

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 14 – May 28

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 14 – May 28

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 3 – Aug 17

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 14 – Oct 19

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 7) and first fall frost (Sep 28) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 55308 came on Apr 15 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 18).

average
Apr 182026
Apr 15

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 4b in Minnesota

497 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Minnesota, and rated by the USDA to survive −25 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 4b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Becker, MN.

Soil in Becker, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 55308 is Nebish — fine sandy loam, well drained.

TextureFine sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.0slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Nebish fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 55308; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Becker, MN

Summer high81 °Faverage high, July

Winter low4 °Faverage low, January

Hot days7days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights170nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,365base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 40 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 43 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation31 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Santiago 3 E, MN (10 mi away); precipitation: Big Lake 5.6 Nne, MN (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 4b.

553094b

Big Lake, MN · 6 mi

553194b

Clear Lake, MN · 7 mi

553624b

Monticello, MN · 8 mi

553774b

Santiago, MN · 9 mi

553204b

Clearwater, MN · 12 mi

553984b

Zimmerman, MN · 12 mi

563044b

Saint Cloud, MN · 13 mi

553584b

Maple Lake, MN · 14 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 55308

What planting zone is ZIP code 55308?

ZIP code 55308 (Becker, MN) is in USDA hardiness zone 4b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −25 to −20 °F (−31.7 to −28.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Becker, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 55308 is May 7; after May 22 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Santiago 3 E station.

When is the first frost in Becker, MN?

The median first fall frost near 55308 is September 28, giving a median frost-free growing season of 144 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 55308?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 12 – Mar 26 and set transplants outside around May 14 – May 28, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 55308 get?

About 31 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Big Lake 5.6 Nne station).

How hot do summers get in Becker, MN?

The average high peaks at 81 °F in July, with about 7 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 55308 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Nebish at the center of ZIP 55308: fine sandy loam, well drained, pH about 6.0 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Becker, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 55308 came on Apr 15 in 2026, 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 18), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Becker, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 55308 is 15 h 40 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 55308 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 55308 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.