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

Planting zone for 56266 — Morgan, MN

ZIP code 56266 (Morgan, Redwood County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost October 4.

Where ZIP 56266 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 frostApr 30

First frostOct 4

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 Morgan, 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 Morgan, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 30median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 14only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 4median — 10% chance by Sep 21

Growing season157 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 20 and returns around October 15.

From the NOAA station Redwood Falls Municipal Airport, MN — 12 miles away, elevation 1,020 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 56266

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 19 – Apr 2

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 19 – Apr 9

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 5 – Mar 19

TomatoesTransplant · May 7 – May 21

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 14 – May 28

BeansSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 9 – Aug 23

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 20 – Oct 25

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 30) and first fall frost (Oct 4) 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 56266 came on Apr 3 — 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 16).

average
Apr 162026
Apr 3

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 Morgan, MN.

Soil in Morgan, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 56266 is Normania — loam, moderately well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.3slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Normania loam, 1 to 3 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 56266; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Morgan, MN

Summer high84 °Faverage high, July

Winter low6 °Faverage low, January

Hot days16days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights158nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,750base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 32 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 50 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation30.3 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: Redwood Falls Municipal Airport, MN (12 mi away); precipitation: Springfield 1.7 Nnw, MN (12 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.

Sleepy Eye, MN · 13 mi

560875a

Springfield, MN · 13 mi

562835a

Redwood Falls, MN · 13 mi

562944b

Wanda, MN · 16 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 56266

What planting zone is ZIP code 56266?

ZIP code 56266 (Morgan, 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 Morgan, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 56266 is April 30; after May 14 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Redwood Falls Municipal Airport station.

When is the first frost in Morgan, MN?

The median first fall frost near 56266 is October 4, giving a median frost-free growing season of 157 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 56266?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 5 – Mar 19 and set transplants outside around May 7 – May 21, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 56266 get?

About 30.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Springfield 1.7 Nnw station).

How hot do summers get in Morgan, MN?

The average high peaks at 84 °F in July, with about 16 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 56266 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Normania at the center of ZIP 56266: loam, moderately well drained, pH about 6.3 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Morgan, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 56266 came on Apr 3 in 2026, 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 16), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Morgan, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 56266 is 15 h 32 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 56266 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 56266 in zone 4b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.