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

Planting zone for 56169 — Russell, MN

ZIP code 56169 (Russell, Lyon County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost October 3.

Where ZIP 56169 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.

Zone5a−20 to −15 °F

Coldest night−28.9 to −26.1 °C

Last frostMay 5

First frostOct 3

2012 zone4b

Was 4b 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 5a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Russell, 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 Russell, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 5median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 18only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 3median — 10% chance by Sep 21

Growing season150 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 27 and returns around October 13.

From the NOAA station Marshall, MN — 14 miles away, elevation 1,148 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 56169

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 24 – Apr 7

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 24 – Apr 14

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 24 – Mar 10

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 14 – Apr 28

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 10 – Mar 24

TomatoesTransplant · May 12 – May 26

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 24 – Mar 10

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 19 – Jun 2

BeansSow outdoors · May 12 – May 26

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 12 – May 26

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 12 – May 26

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 8 – Aug 22

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 19 – Oct 24

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 5) and first fall frost (Oct 3) 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 56169 came on Mar 29 — 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 17).

average
Apr 172026
Mar 29

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 5a in Minnesota

521 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Minnesota, and rated by the USDA to survive −20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5a. 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 Russell, MN.

Soil in Russell, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 56169 is Barnes — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.8neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Barnes, occasional saturation-Buse-Svea complex, 1 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 56169; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Russell, MN

Summer high85 °Faverage high, July

Winter low4 °Faverage low, January

Hot days18days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights158nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,760base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 32 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 51 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation29.9 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall42 inper year

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Marshall, MN (14 mi away); precipitation: Tyler, MN (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

4 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Lake Benton, MN · 15 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 56169

What planting zone is ZIP code 56169?

ZIP code 56169 (Russell, MN) is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −20 to −15 °F (−28.9 to −26.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Russell, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 56169 is May 5; after May 18 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Marshall station.

When is the first frost in Russell, MN?

The median first fall frost near 56169 is October 3, giving a median frost-free growing season of 150 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 56169?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 10 – Mar 24 and set transplants outside around May 12 – May 26, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 56169 get?

About 29.9 inches of precipitation a year and 42 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Tyler station).

How hot do summers get in Russell, MN?

The average high peaks at 85 °F in July, with about 18 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 56169 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Barnes at the center of ZIP 56169: loam, well drained, pH about 6.8 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Russell, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 56169 came on Mar 29 in 2026, 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 17), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Russell, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 56169 is 15 h 32 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 56169 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 56169 in zone 4b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.