What Can Grow in Missoula, MT

Missoula in the Clark Fork River valley has a protected microclimate milder than the surrounding mountains.

Missoula, MT is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The growing season lasts about 143 days, with last frost around May 8 and first fall frost around September 28. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, beans.

5bUSDA Zone
143 daysFrost-Free
May 8Last Frost
September 28First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Missoula
tomatoespeppersbeansbeetssquashapples
💡 Planting Tips

Valley protection. Pacific influence makes it milder. Plant warm crops after May 10.

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📍 Full Zone 5b Guide 🌎 Montana Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Missoula, MT is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b. Missoula in the Clark Fork River valley has a protected microclimate milder than the surrounding mountains.

The average last spring frost in Missoula is around May 8. The first fall frost typically arrives around September 28, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 143 days.

Missoula's Zone 5b climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, beets, squash, apples. Valley protection. Pacific influence makes it milder. Plant warm crops after May 10.

In Missoula, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of May 8. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.