Branch, MI frost dates
Last spring frostMay 17median date
First fall frostOct 7median date
Growing season143 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5bZone 5b
How Branch compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Branch falls between April 28 and June 1, a 34-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 20 and October 25.
- The median last frost is 12 days later than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 143-day growing season is longer than 28% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is 16 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 149 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Grand Rapids, MI, 111 km away, the last frost here is 11 days later than there and the growing season is 14 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 20 |
| 50% (median) | October 7 |
| 90% (late) | October 25 |
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 Branch, MI
Branch, MI frost dates — last frost May 17, first frost Oct 7, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 22 to Mar 8Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 22Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 14
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 22Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 14
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 24 to Jun 7
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: Apr 26 to May 10Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 9
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to May 3Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 19
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 3 to May 17Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: Apr 26 to May 10Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 22 to Apr 5Transplant outside: May 3 to May 17Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Apr 5 to Apr 19Transplant outside: Jun 7 to Jun 21Sow outdoors: Jun 7 to Jun 21
Start indoors: Apr 5 to Apr 19Transplant outside: May 24 to Jun 7
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Aug 5
Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 26 to Sep 16
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 7Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7
Start indoors: Apr 19 to Apr 26Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 24Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Jul 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 24Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 17
Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 31Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: May 3 to May 24Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 14Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 5
Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 7
Transplant outside: May 31 to Jun 21
Plant for fall: Sep 23 to Oct 28
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Branch, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Apr 19 – May 24 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 |
| Kale | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 3 – May 17 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 3 – May 17 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Okra | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — |
| Basil | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 12 – May 24 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 7 | May 24 – Jun 7 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | — | May 24 – Jun 7 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | — | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 26 – May 24 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 26 – May 24 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 3 – May 31 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 24 – Jun 14 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 31 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| 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 Ludington 4 Se, MI weather station, 29 km away (elevation 689 ft (210 m)).
Frost dates near Branch
- Walhalla May 17 · Oct 7
- Custer May 17 · Oct 7
- Baldwin May 17 · Oct 1
- Fountain May 17 · Oct 7
- Walkerville May 17 · Oct 1
- Irons May 28 · Sep 25
- Scottville May 17 · Oct 7
- Idlewild May 13 · Oct 2
- Bitely May 17 · Oct 1
- Free Soil May 14 · Oct 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Branch, MI?
The median last spring frost in Branch, MI is May 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Branch, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 20.
How long is the growing season in Branch, MI?
About 143 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Branch, MI?
Branch, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.