Midland, MI planting zone & frost dates
Midland is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 29 and the first fall frost around October 16, for a growing season of about 167 days.
Planting calendar for Midland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 29) 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 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 Transplant outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 16).
Useful for zone 6a 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 16 | Apr 29 | May 16 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 1 | Oct 16 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 16, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 18.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Midland
- 48640 zone 6a
- 48641 zone 6a
- 48642 zone 6a
- 48667 zone 6a
- 48670 zone 6a
- 48674 zone 6a
- 48686 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Saginaw Township North zone 6a, last frost Apr 29
- Saginaw zone 6a, last frost Apr 29
- Bay City zone 6a, last frost Apr 27
- Mount Pleasant zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Owosso zone 6a, last frost May 1
- Beecher zone 6a, last frost May 3
- Flint zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Burton zone 6a, last frost May 8
Questions
What growing zone is Midland, MI?
Midland is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Midland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Midland is April 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 16.
When can I plant tomatoes in Midland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 6 – May 13. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Midland, MI (USC00205434), 3.8 km (2.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 195 m, based on 27 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.