Frost dates for 48641 — Midland, MI
Last spring frostMay 15median date
First fall frostSep 29median date
Growing season137 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Midland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Midland falls between April 30 and June 2, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 15 and October 11.
- The median last frost is 10 days later than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 137-day growing season is longer than 18% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is 16 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 171 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Flint, MI, 79 km away, the last frost here is 12 days later than there and the growing season is 26 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 30 |
| 50% (median) | May 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 15 |
| 50% (median) | September 29 |
| 90% (late) | October 11 |
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 Midland, MI
Frost dates for 48641 — Midland, MI — last frost May 15, first frost Sep 29, zone 6a. 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 4 to Sep 1
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 1Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
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 7 to Jul 28
Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 24Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 8
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 5Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Jul 28
Start indoors: Apr 17 to Apr 24Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
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 7 to Jul 21
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 22Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 15
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 4
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 12Plant for fall: Jul 14 to Jul 28
Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 19
Plant for fall: Sep 15 to Oct 20
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Midland, 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 4 – Sep 1 |
| Kale | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Broccoli | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Cabbage | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 1 – May 15 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| 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 7 – Jul 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 10 – May 22 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 5 | May 22 – Jun 5 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| 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 7 – Jul 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 15 – Oct 20 |
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 Oil City 2s, MI weather station, 17 km away (elevation 679 ft (207 m)).
ZIP codes in Midland: 48640 48641 48642 48667 48670 48674 48686
Frost dates near Midland
- Wheeler May 1 · Oct 13
- Shepherd May 15 · Sep 29
- Merrill Apr 26 · Oct 17
- Freeland Apr 26 · Oct 17
- Breckenridge May 1 · Oct 13
- Hemlock Apr 26 · Oct 17
- Sanford Apr 29 · Oct 16
- Saint Louis May 1 · Oct 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Midland, MI?
The median last spring frost in Midland, MI is May 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Midland, MI?
The median first fall frost is September 29, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 15.
How long is the growing season in Midland, MI?
About 137 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Midland, MI?
Midland, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.