Saint Clair Shores, MI planting zone & frost dates
Saint Clair Shores is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 29 and the first fall frost around October 22, for a growing season of about 176 days.
Planting calendar for Saint Clair Shores
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 27 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 22).
Useful for zone 6b 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 15 | Apr 29 | May 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 3 | Oct 22 | Oct 7 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 7. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Saint Clair Shores
- 48080 zone 6b
- 48081 zone 6b
- 48082 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Roseville zone 6b, last frost Apr 29
- Grosse Pointe Woods zone 6b, last frost Apr 29
- Eastpointe zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Harper Woods zone 6b, last frost Apr 29
- Fraser zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Clinton Township zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Mount Clemens zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Warren zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
Questions
What growing zone is Saint Clair Shores, MI?
Saint Clair Shores is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Saint Clair Shores?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Saint Clair Shores is April 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Saint Clair Shores?
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 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI (USC00203477), 9.9 km (6.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 187 m, based on 23 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.