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Billings, MT Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Billings usually comes around Apr 30 and the first fall frost around Oct 14, a growing season of about 167 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 19 – Apr 2 and plant them outside May 14 – May 28.

Last spring frostApr 30
First fall frostOct 14
Growing season167 days

When to plant vegetables in Billings

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 19 – Apr 2May 14 – May 28—
PeppersMar 12 – Mar 26May 21 – Jun 4—
EggplantMar 12 – Mar 26May 21 – Jun 4—
Cucumbers—May 14 – May 28—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 14 – May 28—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 21 – Jun 4—
Green beans—May 14 – May 28Jul 22 – Aug 5
Sweet corn—May 14 – May 28—
BasilApr 2 – Apr 16May 14 – May 28—
LettuceMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 2 – May 14Aug 19 – Sep 2
Spinach—Mar 19 – Apr 9Aug 19 – Sep 2
Peas—Mar 19 – Apr 9Aug 5 – Aug 19
Carrots—Apr 2 – May 7Jul 22 – Aug 5
Radishes—Mar 26 – May 14Sep 2 – Sep 16
BroccoliFeb 19 – Mar 5Apr 2 – Apr 16Jul 22 – Aug 5
KaleMar 5 – Mar 19Mar 26 – Apr 9Aug 5 – Aug 19
Onions—Apr 2 – Apr 16—
Potatoes—Apr 9 – May 7—
Garlic——Sep 30 – Nov 4

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Billings. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Billings

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Garlic
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Billings?

The median last spring frost is Apr 30 and the median first fall frost is Oct 14, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Billings?

Start seeds indoors Mar 19 – Apr 2 and set plants outside May 14 – May 28, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Billings?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 14): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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