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

Planting zone for 59243 — Lambert, MT

ZIP code 59243 (Lambert, Richland County) is in USDA zone 4a: the coldest winter night averages −30 to −25 °F. The median last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost September 27.

Where ZIP 59243 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 11

First frostSep 27

2012 zone4a

Same zone as on the 2012 map. 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 Lambert, MT…

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 Lambert, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 11median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 25only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 27median — 10% chance by Sep 13

Growing season137 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 2 and returns around October 6.

From the NOAA station Sidney, MT — 25 miles away, elevation 1,933 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 59243

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 20

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 20 – May 4

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

TomatoesTransplant · May 18 – Jun 1

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 25 – Jun 8

BeansSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 2 – Aug 16

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 13 – Oct 18

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 11) and first fall frost (Sep 27) 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 59243 came on Apr 17 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 16).

average
Apr 162026
Apr 17

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).

Soil in Lambert, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59243 is Lonna — silt loam, well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Lonna-Cambeth silt loams, 2 to 8 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 59243; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Lambert, MT

Summer high87 °Faverage high, July

Winter low7 °Faverage low, January

Hot days30days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights178nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,537base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 01 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 24 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation16.7 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: Sidney, MT (25 mi away); precipitation: Brockton 20s, MT (13 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 4a.

Bloomfield, MT · 23 mi

592184a

Culbertson, MT · 24 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59243

What planting zone is ZIP code 59243?

ZIP code 59243 (Lambert, MT) 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 Lambert, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59243 is May 11; after May 25 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Sidney station.

When is the first frost in Lambert, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59243 is September 27, giving a median frost-free growing season of 137 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59243?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 16 – Mar 30 and set transplants outside around May 18 – Jun 1, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59243 get?

About 16.7 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Brockton 20s station).

How hot do summers get in Lambert, MT?

The average high peaks at 87 °F in July, with about 30 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59243 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Lonna at the center of ZIP 59243: silt loam, well drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Lambert, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59243 came on Apr 17 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 16), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Lambert, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59243 is 16 h 01 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).