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

Planting zone for 59311 — Alzada, MT

ZIP code 59311 (Alzada, Carter County) is in USDA zone 4b: the coldest winter night averages −25 to −20 °F. The median last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost September 6.

Where ZIP 59311 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.

Zone4b−25 to −20 °F

Coldest night−31.7 to −28.9 °C

Last frostJun 2

First frostSep 6

2012 zone4a

Was 4a 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 4b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Alzada, 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 Alzada, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 2median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 21only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 6median — 10% chance by Aug 23

Growing season95 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 21 and returns around September 16.

From the NOAA station Albion 1 N, MT — 14 miles away, elevation 3,314 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 59311

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 21 – May 5

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 21 – May 12

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 24 – Apr 7

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 12 – May 26

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 5 – May 19

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 12 – May 26

LettuceSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 12 – May 26

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 7 – Apr 21

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 9 – Jun 23

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 24 – Apr 7

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 16 – Jun 30

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 9 – Jun 23

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 9 – Jun 23

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 9 – Jun 23

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 12 – Jul 26

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 23 – Sep 27

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 2) and first fall frost (Sep 6) 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 59311 came on Mar 24 — 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 12).

average
Apr 122026
Mar 24

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 4b in Montana

506 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Montana, and rated by the USDA to survive −25 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 4b. 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 Alzada, MT.

Soil in Alzada, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59311 is Volborg — silty clay, well drained.

TextureSilty clayholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

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

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Volborg silty clay, saline, 4 to 15 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 59311; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Alzada, MT

Summer high84 °Faverage high, July

Winter low3 °Faverage low, January

Hot days29days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights198nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,680base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 38 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 45 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation16.6 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall29 inper year; 63 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Albion 1 N, MT (14 mi away); precipitation: Albion 1 N, MT (14 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Camp Crook, SD · 39 mi

827314b

Weston, WY · 41 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59311

What planting zone is ZIP code 59311?

ZIP code 59311 (Alzada, MT) is in USDA hardiness zone 4b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −25 to −20 °F (−31.7 to −28.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Alzada, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59311 is June 2; after June 21 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Albion 1 N station.

When is the first frost in Alzada, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59311 is September 6, giving a median frost-free growing season of 95 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59311?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 7 – Apr 21 and set transplants outside around Jun 9 – Jun 23, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59311 get?

About 16.6 inches of precipitation a year and 29 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Albion 1 N station).

How hot do summers get in Alzada, MT?

The average high peaks at 84 °F in July, with about 29 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59311 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Volborg at the center of ZIP 59311: silty clay, well drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Alzada, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59311 came on Mar 24 in 2026, 19 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 12), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Alzada, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59311 is 15 h 38 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 59311 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 59311 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.