Sterling Heights, MI planting zone & frost dates
Sterling Heights is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 30 and the first fall frost around October 24, for a growing season of about 174 days.
Planting calendar for Sterling Heights
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).
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 16 | Apr 30 | May 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 3 | Oct 24 | Oct 7 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 7. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 18.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Sterling Heights
- 48310 zone 6b
- 48311 zone 6b
- 48312 zone 6b
- 48313 zone 6b
- 48314 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Shelby zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
- Fraser zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Warren zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Clinton Township zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Madison Heights zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Troy zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
- Roseville zone 6b, last frost Apr 29
- Clawson zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
Questions
What growing zone is Sterling Heights, MI?
Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Sterling Heights is April 30. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Sterling Heights?
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 Mt Clemens Ang Base, MI (USW00014804), 17.6 km (10.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 177 m, based on 24 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.