Southfield, MI planting zone & frost dates
Southfield is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 1 and the first fall frost around October 17, for a growing season of about 165 days.
Planting calendar for Southfield
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 1) 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 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 17).
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 19 | May 1 | May 16 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 29 | Oct 17 | Oct 1 |
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 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Southfield
- 48033 zone 6b
- 48034 zone 6b
- 48037 zone 6b
- 48075 zone 6b
- 48076 zone 6b
- 48086 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Oak Park zone 6b, last frost Apr 27
- Berkley zone 6b, last frost May 1
- Beverly Hills zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
- Birmingham zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
- Royal Oak zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Ferndale zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Clawson zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
- Redford zone 6b, last frost May 1
Questions
What growing zone is Southfield, MI?
Southfield 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 Southfield?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Southfield is May 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 16.
When can I plant tomatoes in Southfield?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 8 – May 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Farmington, MI (USC00202691), 11.6 km (7.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 220 m, based on 16 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.