Big Rapids, MI planting zone & frost dates
Big Rapids is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 13 and the first fall frost around October 2, for a growing season of about 142 days.
Planting calendar for Big Rapids
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 13) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 2).
Useful for zone 5b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 28 | May 13 | May 28 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 16 | Oct 2 | Sep 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 28, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 30.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Big Rapids
- 49307 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Cadillac zone 5a, last frost May 19
- Northview zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Comstock Park zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Mount Pleasant zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Forest Hills zone 6a, last frost Apr 29
- Walker zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Grand Rapids zone 6a, last frost May 6
- East Grand Rapids zone 6a, last frost May 6
Questions
What growing zone is Big Rapids, MI?
Big Rapids is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Big Rapids?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Big Rapids is May 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 28.
When can I plant tomatoes in Big Rapids?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 20 – May 27. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Big Rapids Wtp, MI (USC00200779), 1.0 km (0.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 274 m, based on 26 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.