Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 30, 2026

Planting zone for 56658 — Margie, MN

ZIP code 56658 (Margie, Koochiching County) is in USDA zone 3b: the coldest winter night averages −35 to −30 °F. The median last spring frost is May 24 and the first fall frost September 20.

Where ZIP 56658 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.

Zone3b−35 to −30 °F

Coldest night−37.2 to −34.4 °C

Last frostMay 24

First frostSep 20

2012 zone3a

Was 3a 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 3b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Margie, 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 Margie, MN

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 24median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 6only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 20median — 10% chance by Sep 6

Growing season117 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 10 and returns around October 1.

From the NOAA station Big Falls, MN — 9 miles away, elevation 1,221 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 56658

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 12 – May 3

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 3 – May 17

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 3 – May 17

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

TomatoesTransplant · May 31 – Jun 14

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 7 – Jun 21

BeansSow outdoors · May 31 – Jun 14

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 31 – Jun 14

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 31 – Jun 14

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 26 – Aug 9

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 6 – Oct 11

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 24) and first fall frost (Sep 20) 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 56658 came on May 4 — 8 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 26).

average
Apr 262026
May 4

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 3b in Minnesota

287 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Minnesota, and rated by the USDA to survive −35 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 3b. 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 Margie, MN.

Soil in Margie, MN

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 56658 is Ricelake — loamy sand, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureLoamy sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.5moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupC/Dslow when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Ricelake-Blomford complex, mlra 88, 0 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 56658; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Margie, MN

Summer high77 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−5 °Faverage low, January

Hot days3days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights196nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,579base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 04 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 21 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation27.3 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: Big Falls, MN (9 mi away); precipitation: Big Falls, MN (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Littlefork, MN · 20 mi

Birchdale, MN · 30 mi

Minnesota planting zones →

Questions about 56658

What planting zone is ZIP code 56658?

ZIP code 56658 (Margie, MN) is in USDA hardiness zone 3b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −35 to −30 °F (−37.2 to −34.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Margie, MN?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 56658 is May 24; after June 6 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Big Falls station.

When is the first frost in Margie, MN?

The median first fall frost near 56658 is September 20, giving a median frost-free growing season of 117 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 56658?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 29 – Apr 12 and set transplants outside around May 31 – Jun 14, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 56658 get?

About 27.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Big Falls station).

How hot do summers get in Margie, MN?

The average high peaks at 77 °F in July, with about 3 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 56658 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Ricelake at the center of ZIP 56658: loamy sand, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Margie, MN in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 56658 came on May 4 in 2026, 8 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 26), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Margie, MN?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 56658 is 16 h 04 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 56658 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 56658 in zone 3a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 3b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.