Michigan, ND frost dates
Last spring frostMay 11median date
First fall frostSep 28median date
Growing season140 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone4aZone 4a
How Michigan compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Michigan falls between April 29 and May 25, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 16 and October 10.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the North Dakota median of May 12.
- Its 140-day growing season is longer than 55% of the 372 North Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 139 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4a, where the median is May 12.
- The weather station records an average of 192 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Grand Forks, ND, 81 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there and the growing season is 4 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 29 |
| 50% (median) | May 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 16 |
| 50% (median) | September 28 |
| 90% (late) | October 10 |
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 Michigan, ND
Michigan, ND frost dates — last frost May 11, first frost Sep 28, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 16 to Mar 2Transplant outside: Apr 13 to Apr 27
Start indoors: Mar 2 to Mar 16Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 8
Start indoors: Mar 2 to Mar 16Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 8
Start indoors: Mar 16 to Mar 30Transplant outside: May 18 to Jun 1
Start indoors: Mar 16 to Mar 30Transplant outside: Apr 20 to May 4Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to May 18Plant for fall: Aug 3 to Aug 31
Start indoors: Mar 16 to Mar 30Transplant outside: Apr 13 to Apr 27Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Apr 27Plant for fall: Jul 20 to Aug 10
Start indoors: Mar 16 to Mar 30Transplant outside: Apr 27 to May 11Plant for fall: Jun 22 to Jul 13
Start indoors: Mar 16 to Mar 30Transplant outside: Apr 20 to May 4Plant for fall: Jun 22 to Jul 13
Start indoors: Mar 16 to Mar 30Transplant outside: Apr 27 to May 11Plant for fall: Jun 22 to Jul 13
Start indoors: Mar 30 to Apr 13Transplant outside: Jun 1 to Jun 15Sow outdoors: Jun 1 to Jun 15
Start indoors: Mar 30 to Apr 13Transplant outside: May 18 to Jun 1
Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Apr 20Plant for fall: Jul 6 to Jul 27
Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Apr 20Plant for fall: Aug 3 to Aug 24
Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to May 18Plant for fall: Aug 17 to Sep 7
Start indoors: Apr 13 to Apr 20Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 1Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 1Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Jul 27
Start indoors: Apr 13 to Apr 20Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 1Plant for fall: Jul 20 to Aug 3
Start indoors: Apr 13 to Apr 20Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 1
Start indoors: Apr 13 to Apr 20Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 8
Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 18Plant for fall: Jul 6 to Jul 20
Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 18Plant for fall: Jul 20 to Aug 3
Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 27 to May 25Plant for fall: Jul 20 to Aug 3
Sow outdoors: Apr 27 to May 18Plant for fall: Aug 3 to Aug 24
Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 8Plant for fall: Jul 13 to Jul 27
Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 1
Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 15
Plant for fall: Sep 14 to Oct 19
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Michigan, ND
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 20 – May 4 | Apr 13 – May 18 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 |
| Kale | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Broccoli | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Okra | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | — |
| Basil | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 6 – May 18 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 1 | May 18 – Jun 1 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 27 – May 25 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 18 – Jun 8 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 25 – Jun 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 |
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 Petersburg 2 N, ND weather station, 8 km away (elevation 1,532 ft (467 m)).
Frost dates near Michigan
- Petersburg May 11 · Sep 28
- Lakota May 11 · Sep 28
- Dahlen May 11 · Sep 28
- Niagara May 11 · Sep 28
- Mcville May 11 · Sep 28
- Brocket May 15 · Sep 22
- Tolna May 12 · Sep 28
- Lankin May 11 · Sep 28
- Pekin May 12 · Sep 28
- Fordville May 11 · Sep 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Michigan, ND?
The median last spring frost in Michigan, ND is May 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Michigan, ND?
The median first fall frost is September 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 16.
How long is the growing season in Michigan, ND?
About 140 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Michigan, ND?
Michigan, ND is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.