Frost dates and planting calendar
Bonners Ferry, ID
The typical last spring frost in Bonners Ferry is April 30, and the first fall frost is around October 4. Plant peas from Apr 1; plant tomatoes from May 20.
NOAA 1991–2020 frost normals, Bonners Ferry station. Where these dates come from
About Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry sits on the Kootenai River about 25 miles from the Canadian border. The flat river bottoms north of town are farmland, known for hops, grain and hay.
Chance of frost through the year
Frost over in 9 years out of 10: after May 16
Tomatoes go out May 20 – Jun 17, once the soil is warm
- Very likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
In 9 years out of 10, the last spring frost has passed by May 16 and the first fall frost holds off until Sep 18.
What to plant now
Turn on JavaScript to see what's in season today. The full calendar is below.
Make a garden plan for Bonners Ferry Pick your plants and get a dated, printable to-do list.
Inland Northwest. Spokane, Ellensburg, the Okanogan, La Grande, north Idaho, the Magic Valley, eastern Idaho and other higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.
Gardening in North Idaho. Cold, snowy winters and cool nights make for a short season. Pick quick-maturing varieties, give warm crops your sunniest spot, and mulch garlic and perennials before winter.
Frost date isn't planting date. The typical last frost in Bonners Ferry is April 30, but tomatoes wait until May 20, about 3 weeks later, for warmer soil and less risk of a late frost. Why soil temperature matters.
How the season in Bonners Ferry compares
With 157 frost-free days, Bonners Ferry has the 61st-longest season of the 86 Oregon, Washington and Idaho towns we cover. They run from 72 days in McCall to 330 days in Brookings and Gold Beach.
The typical last frost here, April 30, is in the middle of the towns we cover in North Idaho: 8 days later than Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls and 8 days earlier than Sandpoint.
The gap between the typical last frost and the date it's over in 9 years out of 10 is 16 days, about average for the towns on this site. Frost after the typical date still happens about half the time, so plan on covering warm crops until May 16.
The season is long enough for every warm crop on our list, even pumpkins and sweet potatoes, to finish from a normal planting date.
For a fall and winter garden, sow carrots by July 26 and set out kale plants by August 9. Fall crops here are timed to the first frost (October 4 on average) and to shortening days.
Planting calendar
Pick a group to see when each plant goes in, or search for one.
Salad greens 7 plants
- SpinachPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 6
- Again for fall Aug 9–30
- LettucePlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Again for fall Aug 9–23
- Swiss chardPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- ArugulaPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 13
- Again for fall Aug 16 – Sep 6
- CeleryPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 11–25
- Plant May 20 – Jun 24
- MâchePlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 6
- Again for fall Aug 2 – Sep 6
- RadicchioPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 4–18
- Plant Apr 15 – May 20
- Again for fall Jun 28 – Jul 19
Cabbage family 9 plants
- KalePlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 4–18
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- BroccoliPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
- Plant Apr 15 – May 20
- Again for fall Jul 12–26
- CabbagePlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
- Plant Apr 15 – May 20
- Again for fall Jul 12–26
- CauliflowerPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
- Plant Apr 15 – May 13
- Again for fall Jul 5–19
- Brussels sproutsPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- Bok choyPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
- Plant Apr 1 – May 6
- Again for fall Aug 9–23
- KohlrabiPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 4–18
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- Again for fall Aug 2–16
- CollardsPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 4–18
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- Mustard greensPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 13
- Again for fall Aug 9–30
Root vegetables 7 plants
- RadishesPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Again for fall Aug 23 – Sep 6
- CarrotsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- Again for fall Jul 12–26
- BeetsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- PotatoesPlant seed potatoes
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- TurnipsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 13
- Again for fall Aug 2–16
- ParsnipsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- Sweet potatoesPlant rooted cuttings (slips)
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
Onion family 4 plants
Peas and beans 4 plants
- PeasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 13
- Bush beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 15 – Jun 26
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- Pole beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 15 – Jun 19
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- Fava beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 6
Tomatoes and summer crops 6 plants
- Sweet cornPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 15 – Jun 19
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- TomatoesPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 8
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
- PeppersPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
- EggplantPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
- TomatillosPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 8
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
- Ground cherriesPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Apr 1–15
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Squash, cucumbers and melons 5 plants
- CucumbersPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
- Zucchini and summer squashPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
- Winter squashPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 10
- MelonsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors May 2–9
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
- PumpkinsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 10
Herbs 13 plants
- BasilPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Apr 18 – May 2
- Plant May 30 – Jun 27
- CilantroPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 20
- Again for fall Aug 16–30
- ParsleyPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 3
- DillPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 17
- ChivesPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- MintPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- RosemaryPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 3
- ThymePlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- OreganoPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- LavenderPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- SagePlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- Lemon balmPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- TarragonPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
Berries 10 plants
- StrawberriesPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- BlueberriesPlant potted or bare-root bushes
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 3
- RaspberriesPlant bare-root canes
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- BlackberriesPlant bare-root or potted canes
- Plant Apr 1 – May 20
- GrapesPlant bare-root or potted vines
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Hardy kiwiPlant potted vines
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 3
- HoneyberriesPlant potted bushes
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- CurrantsPlant bare-root or potted bushes
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- GooseberriesPlant bare-root or potted bushes
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- ElderberriesPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
Perennial vegetables 5 plants
- AsparagusPlant dormant crowns
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- RhubarbPlant dormant crowns
- Plant Apr 1 – May 13
- ArtichokesPlant young plants (starts)
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- SorrelPlant seeds or young plants
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- HorseradishPlant root cuttings
- Plant Apr 1 – May 13
Fruit and nut trees 11 plants
- Apple treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Pear treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Plum treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Cherry treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Fig treesPlant potted trees
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 10
- Peach treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Hazelnut treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Persimmon treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Asian pear treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Quince treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Mulberry treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
Native plants 15 plants
- HuckleberriesPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Oregon grapePlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Red-flowering currantPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- ServiceberryPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- CamasPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- ThimbleberryPlant bare-root or potted plants
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- SalmonberryPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- SalalPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- KinnikinnickPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Western columbinePlant potted plants or seeds
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Douglas asterPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Oregon sunshinePlant potted plants or seeds
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Pacific ninebarkPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Sword fernPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
- Oregon irisPlant potted plants or divisions
- Plant Apr 1 – May 27
Flowers 13 plants
- DahliasPlant tubers
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
- SunflowersPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 15 – Jun 26
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- Sweet peasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 1 – May 6
- TulipsPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- DaffodilsPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- ZinniasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 15 – Jun 26
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- PeoniesPlant bare-root divisions
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- CosmosPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 3–17
- Plant May 15 – Jun 26
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- NasturtiumsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 15 – Jun 26
Frost possible until about May 16: keep frost cover handy.
- MarigoldsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 8–22
- Plant May 20 – Jun 24
- CalendulaPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 15 – Jun 3
- Again for fall Jul 26 – Aug 9
- RanunculusPlant soaked corms
- Plant Apr 15 – May 20
- SnapdragonsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 4–18
- Plant Apr 15 – May 27
- Start seeds indoors
- Plant in the garden
- Plant again for fall
- Today
- Frost possible
- Frost likely
New to this? Read the beginner's guide or look up a term in the glossary.
ZIP codes that use these dates: 83805, 83826, 83845, 83847, 83853. Look up another ZIP.
Where these dates come from
The frost dates for Bonners Ferry come from the NOAA weather station in Bonners Ferry, at 2,070 feet. It's the closest weather station to Bonners Ferry with NOAA's 1991–2020 frost records. It's a NOAA cooperative station, not an airport station.
They're NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals: 30-year averages, not a forecast. How we pick each town's station.
Common questions about frost in Bonners Ferry
When is the last frost in Bonners Ferry?
April 30 in a typical year. Frost is over by May 16 in 9 years out of 10, Tender plants like tomatoes wait longer than that, for warm soil: see the tomato question below.
When is the first frost in Bonners Ferry?
Around October 4. It comes as early as September 18 in 1 year out of 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Bonners Ferry?
Set out tomato plants May 20 – Jun 17, after starting seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 8.
When should I plant garlic in Bonners Ferry?
Plant garlic cloves Sep 25 – Oct 31, and harvest next summer when the lower leaves turn brown.
How long is the growing season in Bonners Ferry?
About 157 frost-free days, shorter than most of the 86 Oregon, Washington and Idaho towns we cover.