What Growing Zone Is The Lakes?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given The Lakes a growing zone designation of 5a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in The Lakes's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used The Lakes's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

Latest MN growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the The Lakes area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in The Lakes, MN.

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Latest MN growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since The Lakes is in growing zone 5a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for The Lakes's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the The Lakes area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023

Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

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Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in The Lakes, MN.

The USDA hardiness zone is 5a for The Lakes. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

The Lakes's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 5a

Zip Codes: 56123, 56175, 56172, 56132

Longitude: -95.7083

Latitude: 44.1359

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -20 to -15

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.

Map of the The Lakes Area

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Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.