Elk Rapids, MI frost dates
Last spring frostMay 13median date
First fall frostOct 19median date
Growing season159 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Elk Rapids compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Elk Rapids falls between April 28 and May 29, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 1 and November 5.
- The median last frost is 8 days later than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 159-day growing season is longer than 44% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is 14 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 157 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 1 |
| 50% (median) | October 19 |
| 90% (late) | November 5 |
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 Elk Rapids, MI
Elk Rapids, MI frost dates — last frost May 13, first frost Oct 19, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 24 to Sep 21
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 31
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 29 to May 13Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 29 to May 13Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Aug 3
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: Jun 3 to Jun 17Sow outdoors: Jun 3 to Jun 17
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 17
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Aug 24 to Sep 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 20Plant for fall: Sep 7 to Sep 28
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 3Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Aug 3 to Aug 17
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 24
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 27 to Aug 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 24
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 13
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 27Plant for fall: Aug 10 to Aug 24
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 24 to Sep 14
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 10Plant for fall: Aug 3 to Aug 17
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 17
Plant for fall: Oct 5 to Nov 9
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Elk Rapids, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 15 – May 20 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
| Kale | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Okra | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | — |
| Basil | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 8 – May 20 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 27 – Jun 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 5 – Nov 9 |
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 Old Mission 3ssw, MI weather station, 9 km away (elevation 656 ft (200 m)).
Frost dates near Elk Rapids
- Old Mission May 13 · Oct 19
- Williamsburg May 12 · Oct 16
- Rapid City May 24 · Oct 1
- Acme May 12 · Oct 16
- Kewadin May 13 · Oct 19
- Alden May 24 · Oct 1
- Bellaire May 23 · Oct 2
- Suttons Bay Apr 30 · Nov 1
- Traverse City May 9 · Oct 15
- Omena May 9 · Oct 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elk Rapids, MI?
The median last spring frost in Elk Rapids, MI is May 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 29, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elk Rapids, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Elk Rapids, MI?
About 159 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elk Rapids, MI?
Elk Rapids, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.