Alba, MI frost dates
Last spring frostMay 15median date
First fall frostOct 7median date
Growing season145 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5bZone 5b
How Alba compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Alba falls between April 28 and May 30, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 22 and October 21.
- The median last frost is 10 days later than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 145-day growing season is longer than 29% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is 14 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 169 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 30 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 22 |
| 50% (median) | October 7 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Alba, MI
Alba, MI frost dates — last frost May 15, first frost Oct 7, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 20 to Mar 6Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 9
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 1Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 19
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19Sow outdoors: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5
Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 24Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Aug 5
Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 24Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 26 to Sep 16
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 5Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 22Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Jul 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 22Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 15
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 12Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 5
Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 19
Plant for fall: Sep 23 to Oct 28
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Alba, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 17 – May 22 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 |
| Kale | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Okra | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Basil | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 10 – May 22 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 5 | May 22 – Jun 5 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 23 – Oct 28 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Gaylord 9 Ssw, MI weather station, 21 km away (elevation 1,460 ft (445 m)).
Frost dates near Alba
- Mancelona May 24 · Oct 1
- Elmira May 25 · Sep 26
- Bellaire May 23 · Oct 2
- Alden May 24 · Oct 1
- East Jordan May 23 · Oct 2
- Gaylord May 22 · Sep 30
- Central Lake May 23 · Oct 2
- Boyne City May 23 · Oct 3
- Boyne Falls May 23 · Oct 3
- Waters May 12 · Oct 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Alba, MI?
The median last spring frost in Alba, MI is May 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 30, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Alba, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 22.
How long is the growing season in Alba, MI?
About 145 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Alba, MI?
Alba, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.