Early spring planting tidbits

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Since temperatures are climbing, some might be itching to start planting gardens and flowers. But there are several reasons why you should wait.

The average overnight temperature in North Dakota for April 20-25 is 30 to 35 degrees. This means frosts and freezes are still possible each night.

However, we are getting closer and closer to when those overnight temperatures will warm up rather quickly.

On average, the last night with temperatures at or below 28 degrees, which is a hard freeze, ranges from May 1 in Minot to May 6 in Dickinson.

On average, the last freeze in western North Dakota, with temperatures at or below 32 degrees, is between May 11 to May 17.

And the average last night to hit 36 degrees, meaning a frost, ranges from May 21 in Minot to May 27 in Williston.

When it does come time to plant, especially if planting perennials, don’t forget which hardiness zone you are in. North Dakota has three zones: 3B, 4A and 4B. That means, for instance, in zone 3B, these plants can survive the cold down to 35 degrees below zero.

This only applies to household gardens and flowers, as some farmers are already out in the fields.