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

Planting zone for 59444 — Galata, MT

ZIP code 59444 (Galata, Toole County) is in USDA zone 4a: the coldest winter night averages −30 to −25 °F. The median last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost September 14.

Where ZIP 59444 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 23

First frostSep 14

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 Galata, 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 Galata, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 23median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 8only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 14median — 10% chance by Sep 1

Growing season112 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 10 and returns around September 24.

From the NOAA station Dunkirk 19nne, MT — 6 miles away, elevation 3,324 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 59444

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 11 – Apr 25

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 11 – May 2

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 2 – May 16

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 25 – May 9

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 2 – May 16

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 25 – May 9

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 2 – May 16

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

TomatoesTransplant · May 30 – Jun 13

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 6 – Jun 20

BeansSow outdoors · May 30 – Jun 13

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 30 – Jun 13

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 30 – Jun 13

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 20 – Aug 3

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 31 – Oct 5

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 23) and first fall frost (Sep 14) 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 59444 came on Apr 6 — 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 19).

average
Apr 192026
Apr 6

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 Montana

439 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Montana, 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 Galata, MT.

Soil in Galata, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59444 is Joplin — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.1neutral; 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: Joplin-Hillon 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 59444; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Galata, MT

Summer high82 °Faverage high, July

Winter low5 °Faverage low, January

Hot days15days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights208nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,600base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 09 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 16 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation10.6 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: Dunkirk 19nne, MT (6 mi away); precipitation: Dunkirk 19nne, MT (6 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 4a.

Sweet Grass, MT · 23 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59444

What planting zone is ZIP code 59444?

ZIP code 59444 (Galata, 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 Galata, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59444 is May 23; after June 8 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Dunkirk 19nne station.

When is the first frost in Galata, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59444 is September 14, giving a median frost-free growing season of 112 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59444?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 28 – Apr 11 and set transplants outside around May 30 – Jun 13, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59444 get?

About 10.6 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Dunkirk 19nne station).

How hot do summers get in Galata, MT?

The average high peaks at 82 °F in July, with about 15 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59444 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Joplin at the center of ZIP 59444: loam, well drained, pH about 7.1 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Galata, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59444 came on Apr 6 in 2026, 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 19), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Galata, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59444 is 16 h 09 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).