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MAY 1, 2026
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Hardiness Reading · 59442

Zip 59442 · Montana Fort Benton, MT

Hardiness Zone 4a

What Growing Zone Is 59442?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given zip code 59442 a growing zone designation of 4a.

Hardiness Zone

4a

State

Montana MT

Latitude

47.93005°

Longitude

-110.64697°

Winter Low (°F)

-30 to -25

Best plants for Fort Benton Plants for 59442 See all of Montana

Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in zip code 59442's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.

Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

I.

Montana Hardiness Map

USDA 2023 plate
— Plate —MT · USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 4a
Latest Montana growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in zip code 59442, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Fort Benton, Montana.

You can also browse our list of recommended plants for zip code 59442 to find specific varieties suited to this hardiness zone.

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Show Fort Benton's growing zone on my site

II.

What zone 4a means

In plain English
— Plate —MT · USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 4a
Latest Montana 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 zip code 59442 is in growing zone 4a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -30 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

— Plate I —USDA Hardiness Zones · 2023
USDA growing zone map of the United States
After the United States Department of Agriculture, revised November 2023

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if zip code 59442 has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

— Plate II —Half-zone changes · 2012 → 2023
map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023
Half-zone changes between the 2012 and 2023 USDA hardiness maps.

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!

III.

Hardiness Zone FAQ

For the curious gardener

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 for zip code 59442.

№ 01What hardiness zone is 59442?+

The USDA hardiness zone is 4a for zip code 59442. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

№ 02What does growing zone 4a mean for 59442?+

Growing zone 4a means that plants in zip code 59442 can survive temperatures as low as -30 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone designation helps you choose plants that will thrive in your local climate conditions.

№ 03How do I use the growing zone information for 59442?+

Keep your growing zone of 4a in mind when choosing plants for 59442. The growing zone tells you the average low temperatures that occur each year in the area. If you select plants from zones other than 4a, then you may need to provide additional care during the coldest months of the year.

№ 04Has 59442's growing zone changed?+

The USDA updated their hardiness zone maps in 2023. As a result, 59442 may have experienced zone changes. Some areas of the Southeast warmed by half a zone, while areas of the Western United States had their zones lowered as a result of additional data becoming available.

№ 05What plants grow best in zone 4a?+

Visit our page on the best plants for Fort Benton to see a full list of recommendations for the area.

№ 06Can I grow plants from other zones in 59442?+

While you can try plants from other zones, they may need winter protection or indoor shelter during cold spells. Focus on plants recommended for Fort Benton's climate for the best results.

IV.

59442's Growing Zone Details

For the record

USDA Growing Zone: 4a

Zip Codes:
59442

Longitude: -110.64697

Latitude: 47.93005

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -30 to -25

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V.

Map of the 59442 Area

Live tile
— Map —Lat 47.93005, Lon -110.64697
Tile data © Google Maps
VI.

All Towns In Montana

Browse the ledger

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VII.

Plants For Other States

Browse the rest

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

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