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

Planting zone for 59261 — Saco, MT

ZIP code 59261 (Saco, Phillips County) is in USDA zone 3b: the coldest winter night averages −35 to −30 °F. The median last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost September 23.

Where ZIP 59261 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 15

First frostSep 23

2012 zone3b

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 3b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Saco, 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 Saco, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 15median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 26only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 23median — 10% chance by Sep 11

Growing season130 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 6 and returns around October 1.

From the NOAA station Saco 1 Nnw, MT — 6 miles away, elevation 2,185 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 59261

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 3 – Apr 17

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 3 – Apr 24

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 24 – May 8

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 17 – May 1

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 24 – May 8

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 17 – May 1

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 24 – May 8

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 20 – Apr 3

TomatoesTransplant · May 22 – Jun 5

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 29 – Jun 12

BeansSow outdoors · May 22 – Jun 5

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 22 – Jun 5

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 22 – Jun 5

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 29 – Aug 12

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 9 – Oct 14

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 15) and first fall frost (Sep 23) 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 59261 came on Apr 18 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 15).

average
Apr 152026
Apr 18

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 Montana

304 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Montana, 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 Saco, MT.

Soil in Saco, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59261 is Scobey — clay loam, well drained.

TextureClay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH6.8neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Scobey-Kevin clay 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 59261; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Saco, MT

Summer high83 °Faverage high, July

Winter low2 °Faverage low, January

Hot days19days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights197nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,981base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 08 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 17 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation13.4 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: Saco 1 Nnw, MT (6 mi away); precipitation: Saco 1 Nnw, MT (6 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.

592413b

Hinsdale, MT · 18 mi

595443b

Whitewater, MT · 20 mi

Saint Marie, MT · 41 mi

592503b

Opheim, MT · 42 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59261

What planting zone is ZIP code 59261?

ZIP code 59261 (Saco, MT) 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 Saco, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59261 is May 15; after May 26 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Saco 1 Nnw station.

When is the first frost in Saco, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59261 is September 23, giving a median frost-free growing season of 130 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59261?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 20 – Apr 3 and set transplants outside around May 22 – Jun 5, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59261 get?

About 13.4 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Saco 1 Nnw station).

How hot do summers get in Saco, MT?

The average high peaks at 83 °F in July, with about 19 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59261 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Scobey at the center of ZIP 59261: clay loam, well drained, pH about 6.8 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Saco, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59261 came on Apr 18 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 15), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Saco, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59261 is 16 h 08 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).