When to Plant Garlic in North Dakota
In North Dakota, the time to plant garlic in fall runs from Sep 21 – Oct 19 in Williston to Oct 5 – Nov 2 in Devils Lake. In Fargo, it's Oct 2 – Oct 30. The average first fall frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (Sep 21 in Williston, Oct 5 in Devils Lake), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Garlic is planted in fall, around the first frost, and harvested the next summer. Cloves need a cold winter to form good bulbs.
- Plant: from the first fall frost up to 4 weeks after it.
Garlic planting dates in North Dakota by city
| City | Zone | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 4a | Sep 30 – Oct 28 |
| Devils Lake | 4a | Oct 5 – Nov 2 |
| Dickinson | 4b | Sep 22 – Oct 20 |
| Fargo | 4a | Oct 2 – Oct 30 |
| Grand Forks | 4a | Oct 1 – Oct 29 |
| Horace | 4a | Oct 2 – Oct 30 |
| Jamestown | 4b | Sep 29 – Oct 27 |
| Mandan | 4a | Sep 27 – Oct 25 |
| Minot | 4a | Oct 1 – Oct 29 |
| Valley City | 4a | Sep 26 – Oct 24 |
| Wahpeton | 4a | Oct 3 – Oct 31 |
| Watford City | 4a | Sep 27 – Oct 25 |
| West Fargo | 4a | Oct 2 – Oct 30 |
| Williston | 4a | Sep 21 – Oct 19 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in North Dakota, or the general guide to when to plant garlic.
Getting beds ready? Work out how much raised bed soil, compost or mulch you need with our sister site, Yard Coverage.