Allendale, MI planting zone & frost dates
Allendale is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 30 and the first fall frost around October 24, for a growing season of about 175 days.
Planting calendar for Allendale
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 30) 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 5 – Mar 19 Transplant outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 Transplant outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 24).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 17 | Apr 30 | May 16 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 6 | Oct 24 | Oct 5 |
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 5. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 18.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Allendale
- 49401 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Jenison zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Walker zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Grandville zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Holland zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Wyoming zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Grand Rapids zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Grand Haven zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Comstock Park zone 6a, last frost May 6
Questions
What growing zone is Allendale, MI?
Allendale 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 Allendale?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Allendale is April 30. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 16.
When can I plant tomatoes in Allendale?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 7 – May 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Grand Haven Wwtp, MI (USC00203295), 22.7 km (14.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 184 m, based on 10 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.