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

Planting zone for 59411 — Babb, MT

ZIP code 59411 (Babb, Glacier County) is in USDA zone 4b: the coldest winter night averages −25 to −20 °F. The median last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost September 8.

Where ZIP 59411 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 3

First frostSep 8

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 Babb, 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 Babb, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 3median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 23only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 8median — 10% chance by Aug 22

Growing season94 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 14 and returns around September 25.

From the NOAA station St. Mary 1 Ssw, MT — 11 miles away, elevation 4,554 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 59411

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 13

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 25 – Apr 8

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 13 – May 27

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 6 – May 20

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 13 – May 27

LettuceSow outdoors · May 6 – May 20

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 13 – May 27

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 8 – Apr 22

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 10 – Jun 24

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 25 – Apr 8

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 17 – Jul 1

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 10 – Jun 24

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 10 – Jun 24

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 10 – Jun 24

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 14 – Jul 28

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 25 – Sep 29

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 3) and first fall frost (Sep 8) 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 59411 came on Apr 27 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 30).

average
Apr 302026
Apr 27

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 Babb, MT.

Soil in Babb, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59411 is Adel — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.7neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter6%high

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Adel-Babb complex, hilly.

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 59411; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Babb, MT

Summer high73 °Faverage high, July

Winter low15 °Faverage low, January

Hot days1days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights181nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days867base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 11 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 14 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation26.1 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: St. Mary 1 Ssw, MT (11 mi away); precipitation: St. Mary 1 Ssw, MT (11 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

594344b

East Glacier Park, MT · 14 mi

Martin City, MT · 46 mi

599195b

Hungry Horse, MT · 47 mi

599125a

Columbia Falls, MT · 47 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59411

What planting zone is ZIP code 59411?

ZIP code 59411 (Babb, 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 Babb, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59411 is June 3; after June 23 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, St. Mary 1 Ssw station.

When is the first frost in Babb, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59411 is September 8, giving a median frost-free growing season of 94 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59411?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 8 – Apr 22 and set transplants outside around Jun 10 – Jun 24, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59411 get?

About 26.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, St. Mary 1 Ssw station).

How hot do summers get in Babb, MT?

The average high peaks at 73 °F in July, with about 1 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59411 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Adel at the center of ZIP 59411: loam, well drained, pH about 6.7 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Babb, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59411 came on Apr 27 in 2026, 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 30), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Babb, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59411 is 16 h 11 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 59411 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 59411 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.