Grand Rapids, MI planting zone & frost dates
Grand Rapids is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 6 and the first fall frost around October 10, for a growing season of about 157 days.
Planting calendar for Grand Rapids
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 6) 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 11 – Mar 25 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 10).
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 24 | May 6 | May 23 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 25 | Oct 10 | Sep 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 23, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Grand Rapids
- 49501 zone 6a
- 49502 zone 6a
- 49503 zone 6a
- 49504 zone 6a
- 49505 zone 6a
- 49506 zone 6a
- 49507 zone 6a
- 49508 zone 6a
- 49510 zone 6a
- 49512 zone 6a
- 49514 zone 6a
- 49515 zone 6a
- 49516 zone 6a
- 49518 zone 6a
- 49523 zone 6a
- 49525 zone 6a
- 49528 zone 6a
- 49530 zone 6a
- 49534 zone 6a
- 49544 zone 6a
- 49546 zone 6a
- 49548 zone 6a
- 49555 zone 6a
- 49560 zone 6a
- 49588 zone 6a
- 49599 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- East Grand Rapids zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Wyoming zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Comstock Park zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Kentwood zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Northview zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Walker zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Grandville zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Cutlerville zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
Questions
What growing zone is Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Grand Rapids is May 6. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 23.
When can I plant tomatoes in Grand Rapids?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 13 – May 20. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station E Grand Rapids, MI (USC00202375), 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 227 m, based on 5 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.