Waters, MI frost dates
Last spring frostMay 12median date
First fall frostOct 7median date
Growing season148 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5aZone 5a
How Waters compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Waters falls between April 27 and May 29, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 24 and October 22.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 148-day growing season is longer than 31% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is 9 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 167 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 27 |
| 50% (median) | May 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 24 |
| 50% (median) | October 7 |
| 90% (late) | October 22 |
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 Waters, MI
Waters, MI frost dates — last frost May 12, first frost Oct 7, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 17 to Mar 3Transplant outside: Apr 14 to Apr 28
Start indoors: Mar 3 to Mar 17Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 9
Start indoors: Mar 3 to Mar 17Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 9
Start indoors: Mar 17 to Mar 31Transplant outside: May 19 to Jun 2
Start indoors: Mar 17 to Mar 31Transplant outside: Apr 21 to May 5Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 19Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 9
Start indoors: Mar 17 to Mar 31Transplant outside: Apr 14 to Apr 28Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to Apr 28Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 19
Start indoors: Mar 17 to Mar 31Transplant outside: Apr 28 to May 12Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 17 to Mar 31Transplant outside: Apr 21 to May 5Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 17 to Mar 31Transplant outside: Apr 28 to May 12Plant for fall: Jul 1 to Jul 22
Start indoors: Mar 31 to Apr 14Transplant outside: Jun 2 to Jun 16Sow outdoors: Jun 2 to Jun 16
Start indoors: Mar 31 to Apr 14Transplant outside: May 19 to Jun 2
Sow outdoors: Mar 31 to Apr 21Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Aug 5
Sow outdoors: Mar 31 to Apr 21Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to May 19Plant for fall: Aug 26 to Sep 16
Start indoors: Apr 14 to Apr 21Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 2Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 2Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Apr 14 to Apr 21Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 2Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Apr 14 to Apr 21Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 2
Start indoors: Apr 14 to Apr 21Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 19Plant for fall: Jul 15 to Jul 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 19Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 28 to May 26Plant for fall: Jul 29 to Aug 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 28 to May 19Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 9Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 5
Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 2
Transplant outside: May 26 to Jun 16
Plant for fall: Sep 23 to Oct 28
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Waters, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 14 – May 19 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 |
| Kale | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | Jul 1 – Jul 22 |
| Okra | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — |
| Basil | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 7 – May 19 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 2 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 21 – May 19 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 21 – May 19 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 21 – May 12 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 28 – May 19 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 19 – Jun 9 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 26 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| 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 9ssw, MI weather station, 6 km away (elevation 1,467 ft (447 m)).
Frost dates near Waters
- Frederic May 12 · Oct 7
- Gaylord May 22 · Sep 30
- Grayling May 23 · Sep 27
- Elmira May 25 · Sep 26
- Johannesburg May 11 · Oct 6
- Alba May 15 · Oct 7
- Lewiston May 11 · Oct 6
- Vanderbilt May 25 · Sep 26
- Mancelona May 24 · Oct 1
- Kalkaska May 24 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Waters, MI?
The median last spring frost in Waters, MI is May 12. 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 Waters, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 24.
How long is the growing season in Waters, MI?
About 148 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Waters, MI?
Waters, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.