Niles, MI planting zone & frost dates
Niles is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 27 and the first fall frost around October 25, for a growing season of about 180 days.
Planting calendar for Niles
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 27) 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 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 30 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 25).
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 10 | Apr 27 | May 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 25 | Oct 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Niles
- 49120 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Portage zone 6a, last frost Apr 28
- Kalamazoo zone 6a, last frost Apr 28
- Sturgis zone 6a, last frost Apr 26
- Holland zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Cutlerville zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Jenison zone 6a, last frost May 6
- Battle Creek zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Allendale zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
Questions
What growing zone is Niles, MI?
Niles 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 Niles?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Niles is April 27. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Niles?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 4 – May 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Niles, MI (USC00205892), 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 198 m, based on 11 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.