USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4

Zone 4 covers winter lows from -30°F to -20°F, split into 4a (-30 to -25°F) and 4b (-25 to -20°F).

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4 is one of the colder zones in the continental United States, defined by an average annual extreme minimum winter temperature of -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants grown here must be able to survive deep, sustained cold, so cold hardiness is the single most important factor when choosing what to plant. Gardeners in this zone work with a short growing season and long, freezing winters.

Climate and where it is found

Zone 4 covers much of the northern tier and upper Midwest of the United States, including large parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, along with northern Maine, upper Michigan, and higher elevations in states such as Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. Winters are long and severe, with deep frozen ground and reliable snow cover in many areas, while summers are warm but relatively brief. The frost-free growing season is short, commonly running about 100 to 130 days between the last spring frost and the first fall frost. Because the season is compressed, timing and quick-maturing varieties matter more here than in warmer zones.

States most often in Zone 4

Based on locations in our database, these states have the most ZIP codes falling in Zone 4:

What grows in Zone 4

Plants that thrive in Zone 4 are those rated hardy to this cold or colder, meaning they can survive winter lows down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Many cold-hardy perennials, spring-flowering bulbs, and native prairie plants overwinter well, especially where snow cover provides natural insulation for their roots. Hardy trees and shrubs such as many maples, birches, lilacs, and cold-tolerant fruit types like certain apples, plums, and cherries are dependable choices. For vegetables, cool-season crops and short-season varieties perform best because they mature within the limited frost-free window.

• Cold-hardy apples, plums, and cherries
• Cool-season greens such as lettuce, spinach, and kale
• Root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes
• Peas and cabbage-family crops (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts)
• Short-season tomatoes and peppers started indoors
• Hardy perennials such as daylilies, peonies, and coneflowers
• Spring bulbs including tulips, daffodils, and crocus
• Potatoes and onions

Gardening tips for Zone 4

Track your local last spring frost and first fall frost dates closely, since the narrow window between them shapes almost every planting decision. Start warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors several weeks before transplanting, and wait until the danger of frost has passed before moving them outside. Season-extension tools such as cold frames, row covers, low tunnels, and raised beds can add valuable weeks on both ends of the season and help protect tender plants from late or early frosts. When buying perennials, trees, and shrubs, always check that the plant tag lists Zone 4 or a lower number so you know it can survive your winters.

Sample locations in Zone 4

Open any location for its live weather, frost dates, and planting calendar:

Related tools

Hardiness zones tell you what survives winter. To decide when to plant, check your frost dates and planting calendar, and browse crops and growing guides for individual plants.

Zone boundaries follow the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is based on 1991-2020 winter minimum temperatures. Local microclimates, elevation, and unusual winters can differ from the map. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.