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

Planting zone for 59846 — Huson, MT

ZIP code 59846 (Huson, Missoula County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost September 25.

Where ZIP 59846 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.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostMay 18

First frostSep 25

2012 zone5b

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 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Huson, 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 Huson, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 18median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 6only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 25median — 10% chance by Sep 7

Growing season126 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 3 and returns around October 5.

From the NOAA station Alberton, MT — 11 miles away, elevation 3,061 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 59846

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 27

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 9 – Mar 23

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 27 – May 11

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 27 – May 11

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 27 – May 11

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 23 – Apr 6

TomatoesTransplant · May 25 – Jun 8

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 9 – Mar 23

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 1 – Jun 15

BeansSow outdoors · May 25 – Jun 8

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 25 – Jun 8

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 25 – Jun 8

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 31 – Aug 14

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 11 – Oct 16

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 18) and first fall frost (Sep 25) 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 59846 came on Apr 9 — 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 22).

average
Apr 222026
Apr 9

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 5b in Montana

561 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Montana, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. 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 Huson, MT.

Soil in Huson, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59846 is Vision — slightly decomposed plant material, well drained.

TextureSlightly decomposed plant materialtop layer

pH5.0strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter75%high

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Vision-Lick families, complex, colluvial aprons and alluvial fans, very stony.

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 59846; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Huson, MT

Summer high87 °Faverage high, July

Winter low18 °Faverage low, January

Hot days33days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights183nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,814base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 55 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 29 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation35.8 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: Alberton, MT (11 mi away); precipitation: Sleeping Woman, MT (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

598316a

Dixon, MT · 10 mi

598346a

Frenchtown, MT · 15 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59846

What planting zone is ZIP code 59846?

ZIP code 59846 (Huson, MT) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Huson, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59846 is May 18; after June 6 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Alberton station.

When is the first frost in Huson, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59846 is September 25, giving a median frost-free growing season of 126 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59846?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 23 – Apr 6 and set transplants outside around May 25 – Jun 8, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59846 get?

About 35.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Sleeping Woman station).

How hot do summers get in Huson, MT?

The average high peaks at 87 °F in July, with about 33 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59846 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Vision at the center of ZIP 59846: slightly decomposed plant material, well drained, pH about 5.0 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Huson, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59846 came on Apr 9 in 2026, 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 22), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Huson, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59846 is 15 h 55 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).