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

Planting zone for 59728 — Elliston, MT

ZIP code 59728 (Elliston, Powell County) is in USDA zone 4b: the coldest winter night averages −25 to −20 °F. The median last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost September 8.

Where ZIP 59728 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 9

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 Elliston, 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 Elliston, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 9median — 50% chance of a later frost

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

First fall frostSeptember 8median — 10% chance by Aug 26

Growing season91 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 16 and returns around September 20.

From the NOAA station Elliston, MT — 4 miles away, elevation 5,079 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 59728

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 28 – May 12

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 28 – May 19

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 19 – Jun 2

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 12 – May 26

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

LettuceSow outdoors · May 12 – May 26

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 19 – Jun 2

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 16 – Jun 30

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 23 – Jul 7

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 16 – Jun 30

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 16 – Jun 30

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 16 – Jun 30

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 9) 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 59728 came on Apr 18 — 15 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (May 3).

average
May 32026
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 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 Elliston, MT.

Soil in Elliston, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59728 is Typic Cryoboralfs — slightly decomposed plant material.

TextureSlightly decomposed plant materialtop layer

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

Organic matter50%high

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Typic Cryoboralfs and Mollic Cryoboralfs, basaltic substratum.

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 59728; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Elliston, MT

Summer high81 °Faverage high, July

Winter low10 °Faverage low, December

Hot days11days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights219nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,225base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 50 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 34 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation19.1 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: Elliston, MT (4 mi away); precipitation: Elliston, MT (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Fort Harrison, MT · 17 mi

596404b

Marysville, MT · 18 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59728

What planting zone is ZIP code 59728?

ZIP code 59728 (Elliston, 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 Elliston, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59728 is June 9; after June 26 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Elliston station.

When is the first frost in Elliston, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59728 is September 8, giving a median frost-free growing season of 91 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59728?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 14 – Apr 28 and set transplants outside around Jun 16 – Jun 30, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59728 get?

About 19.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Elliston station).

How hot do summers get in Elliston, MT?

The average high peaks at 81 °F in July, with about 11 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59728 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Typic Cryoboralfs at the center of ZIP 59728: slightly decomposed plant material, pH about 6.5 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Elliston, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59728 came on Apr 18 in 2026, 15 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (May 3), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Elliston, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59728 is 15 h 50 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 59728 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 59728 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 4b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.