What to plant this week in Minneapolis, MN
With average last frost still three weeks away on May 8, Minneapolis gardeners are in a holding pattern where outdoor sowing and transplanting must wait. Focus your energy indoors now by starting cool-season crops like kale, peas, or lettuce under grow lights to give them a head start before the early May thaw.
The next 7 days
Minneapolis, MNGrowing in Minneapolis right now
- Minneapolis soils tend to be heavy clay that freezes solid; till deep in spring as soon as the ground thaws completely to break up ice-heaved clods.
- The city's urban heat island effect is minimal here compared to southern metros, so expect microclimates near large concrete slabs to warm a few days earlier than open fields.
- Rainfall often peaks in late May and June, ensuring good soil moisture for spring plantings but requiring vigilance against waterlogged spots in low-lying neighborhoods like Seward or East.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
No harvest windows opening just yet.
Seasonal tips
- Finish clearing debris from last year's garden to reduce winter pests and diseases.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over perennial beds once the ground has frozen solid to prevent heaving.
- Plan your spring succession schedule by calculating days-to-maturity for crops you want in early summer.
Pest & disease watch
- As temperatures hover near freezing, overwintering insects remain dormant; however, early spring slugs are already seeking moist shelter under mulch and cardboard.
- Watch for late-winter wind damage to tender structures and ensure trellises are secured before the strong April gusts typical of the Twin Cities arrive.
Watering this week
Avoid watering the garden until the ground thaws to prevent ice formation that could damage root systems.
Now is an excellent time to sharpen your tools and organize your seed inventory so you are ready to plant immediately when the frost date passes.
Minneapolis gardening questions
3Can I plant tomatoes or peppers in Minneapolis now?
No, because the average last frost date is May 8, planting these heat-loving crops outdoors now risks killing them with a late freeze. Wait until mid-May for a safer transplant window when soil temperatures have risen above 50°F.
What should I do about my heavy clay garden soil before spring?
Apply compost generously and avoid tilling when the ground is frozen or just thawing to prevent creating hard, compacted clods. As soon as you can work it without sticking tools, incorporate organic matter to improve drainage for this zone's notorious wet springs.
Are there any pests I need to worry about right now in Minnesota?
While most insects are still dormant under the snow or frozen ground, keep an eye out for early slug activity once rain softens the soil. Set up barriers like copper tape or beer traps around your future seedling beds as soon as you see green shoots breaking through.
Other cities in zone 5a
6See the full zone 5a guide → · Plan your Minneapolis garden in SproutGuide →