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

Planting zone for 58721 — Bowbells, ND

ZIP code 58721 (Bowbells, Burke County) is in USDA zone 4a: the coldest winter night averages −30 to −25 °F. The median last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost September 19.

Where ZIP 58721 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.

Zone4a−30 to −25 °F

Coldest night−34.4 to −31.7 °C

Last frostMay 20

First frostSep 19

2012 zone3b

Was 3b 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 4a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Bowbells, ND…

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 Bowbells, ND

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 20median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 2only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 19median — 10% chance by Sep 7

Growing season121 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 11 and returns around September 26.

From the NOAA station Northgate 5 Ese, ND — 11 miles away, elevation 1,841 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 58721

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 8 – Apr 22

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 8 – Apr 29

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 29 – May 13

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 29 – May 13

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 29 – May 13

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 25 – Apr 8

TomatoesTransplant · May 27 – Jun 10

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 3 – Jun 17

BeansSow outdoors · May 27 – Jun 10

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 27 – Jun 10

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 27 – Jun 10

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 25 – Aug 8

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 5 – Oct 10

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 20) and first fall frost (Sep 19) 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 58721 came on Apr 28 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 25).

average
Apr 252026
Apr 28

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 4a in North Dakota

342 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in North Dakota, and rated by the USDA to survive −30 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 4a. 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 Bowbells, ND.

Soil in Bowbells, ND

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 58721 is Williams — sandy loam, well drained.

TextureSandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH7.2neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter5%high

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Williams-Zahl complex, 3 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 58721; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Bowbells, ND

Summer high78 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−2 °Faverage low, January

Hot days5days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights202nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,609base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 10 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 15 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation15.7 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: Northgate 5 Ese, ND (11 mi away); precipitation: Northgate 5 Ese, ND (11 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Powers Lake, ND · 25 mi

587273b

Columbus, ND · 25 mi

587344a

Donnybrook, ND · 25 mi

North Dakota planting zones →

Questions about 58721

What planting zone is ZIP code 58721?

ZIP code 58721 (Bowbells, ND) is in USDA hardiness zone 4a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −30 to −25 °F (−34.4 to −31.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Bowbells, ND?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 58721 is May 20; after June 2 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Northgate 5 Ese station.

When is the first frost in Bowbells, ND?

The median first fall frost near 58721 is September 19, giving a median frost-free growing season of 121 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 58721?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 25 – Apr 8 and set transplants outside around May 27 – Jun 10, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 58721 get?

About 15.7 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Northgate 5 Ese station).

How hot do summers get in Bowbells, ND?

The average high peaks at 78 °F in July, with about 5 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 58721 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Williams at the center of ZIP 58721: sandy loam, well drained, pH about 7.2 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Bowbells, ND in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 58721 came on Apr 28 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 25), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Bowbells, ND?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 58721 is 16 h 10 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 58721 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 58721 in zone 3b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.