Petoskey Ncmc, MI Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Petoskey Ncmc garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 16
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 9
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
146 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 6a
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 30 May 16 May 31
First fall frost Oct 23 Oct 9 Sep 27
Hard freeze (28°F), median last May 2 · first Oct 23

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the PETOSKEY NCMC station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Petoskey Ncmc

Computed from Petoskey Ncmc's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-6 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 21 – Apr 4 May 23 – May 30
🫑 Peppers Mar 7 – Mar 21 May 30 – Jun 6
🥬 Lettuce Apr 4 – Apr 18 Apr 18 – May 2 Apr 18 – May 16
🫛 Peas Apr 4 – Apr 18
🥕 Carrots Apr 25 – May 16
🥦 Broccoli Mar 28 – Apr 11 Apr 25 – May 9
🥬 Kale Apr 4 – Apr 18 Apr 18 – May 2 Apr 18 – May 2
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 18 – Apr 25 May 23 – May 30 May 23 – May 30
🥒 Zucchini Apr 18 – Apr 25 May 23 – May 30 May 23 – May 30
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 23 – May 30
🌽 Sweet Corn May 23 – May 30
🌿 Basil Apr 4 – Apr 18 May 23 – May 30 May 30 – Jun 6
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 28 – Sep 25

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Petoskey Ncmc's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Petoskey Ncmc

At about 146 frost-free days, Petoskey Ncmc rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Petoskey Ncmc, MI?

The average last spring frost in Petoskey Ncmc is around May 16, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Petoskey Ncmc, MI?

The average first fall frost in Petoskey Ncmc arrives around Oct 9. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Petoskey Ncmc?

About 146 frost-free days on average, from May 16 to Oct 9. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Petoskey Ncmc in?

USDA zone 6a on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.