Frost Dates for Gladstone, MI 49837
Last spring frost May 20 · First fall frost October 8 · 141 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
ZIP 49837 has about 10,300 people.
Moderate season: 141 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 5–June 4 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 20–October 25 (35 days).
Frost probability for 49837
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 4 | May 20 | May 5 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 20 | October 8 | October 25 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WASHINGTON IS (59.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 141-day season in Gladstone
In Gladstone (141 frost-free days, a moderate season), 38 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 17 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 15 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 99 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 3. | Jun 8 |
| Pepper | Apr 8 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 99 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 3. | Jun 13 |
| Lettuce | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 17 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 29–May 6 | 183 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 29. | Aug 6 |
| Cucumber | Apr 29 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 113 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 113 available after Jun 3. | Jul 12 |
| Beans | — | May 27–Jun 10 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 27. | Jul 19 |
| Peas | — | Mar 25–Jun 3 | 204 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 204 available after Mar 25. | Jul 28 |
| Zucchini | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 113 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 113 available after Jun 3. | Jul 17 |
| Onion | Feb 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 176 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 25–May 13 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 5 |
| Kale | Mar 11 | Apr 22–May 6 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Broccoli | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 176 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 22. | Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 190 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 22. | Aug 6 |
| Radish | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Oct 15. | Sep 6 |
| Beets | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Potatoes | — | May 6–May 13 | 162 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 162 available after May 6. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 8 | 246 | overwinter: Plant Oct 8 to Oct 29; harvest the following summer. | Oct 29 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 15–Jun 10 | 197 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 15; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 113 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 113 available after May 27. | Jun 20 |
| Pumpkin | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 3 | 106 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 3. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 8 | May 13–May 27 | 155 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 155 available after May 13. | Jul 18 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 25 | May 6–May 6 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 5 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 190 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 22. | Jul 7 |
| Butternut Squash | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 106 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 3. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 1 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 99 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 3. | Jun 18 |
| Okra | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 120 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 120 available after May 27. | Jul 17 |
| Basil | Apr 15 | Jun 10–Jun 10 | 106 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 10. | Jul 12 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 22–May 13 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Parsley | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 3 | 141 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 141 available after May 27. | Jul 23 |
| Celery | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 10 | 141 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 141 available after May 27. | Jun 3 |
| Scallions | Mar 11 | Apr 22–May 6 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 22 | May 13–May 20 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 17 |
| Collards | Mar 11 | Apr 22–May 6 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Cantaloupe | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 99 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 3. | — |
| Chives | Feb 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 27. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 25–Jun 17 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Oregano | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 3 | 155 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 155 available after May 27. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 141 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 141 available after May 27. | — |
| Sage | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 155 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 155 available after May 27. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 11 | May 27–Jun 3 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 27. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 8 | May 6–May 20 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Cosmos | Apr 22 | May 20–Jun 3 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 20. | Jul 12 |
| Lavender | Feb 25 | May 20–Jun 3 | 162 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 162 available after May 20. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 8 | May 20–May 27 | 127 | two-plantings: Plant May 20 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Melons | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 99 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 3. | — |
| Mint | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 162 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 162 available after May 20. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 22 | May 20–May 27 | 127 | two-plantings: Plant May 20 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 27–Jun 10 | 120 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 120 available after May 27. | Jul 7 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 106 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 3. | Jun 5 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 127 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 127 available after May 20. | Jul 2 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 106 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 106 available after May 27. | Jun 13 |
| Watermelon | May 6 | May 27–Jun 3 | 106 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 106 available after May 27. | Jun 8 |
| Yellow Squash | May 6 | Jun 3–Jun 10 | 113 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 113 available after Jun 3. | Jul 17 |
| Zinnias | Apr 22 | May 20–Jun 3 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 20. | Jul 12 |
Month by month in Gladstone
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 25), Lavender (Feb 25), Onion (Feb 25), Rosemary (Feb 25). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 11), Collards (Mar 11), Kale (Mar 11), Oregano (Mar 11), Parsley (Mar 11), Scallions (Mar 11), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 25), Beets (Mar 25), Dill (Mar 25), Peas (Mar 25), Radish (Mar 25), Spinach (Mar 25). |
| April | Start indoors: Eggplant (Apr 1), Calendula (Apr 8), Cauliflower (Apr 8), Marigolds (Apr 8), Pepper (Apr 8), Basil (Apr 15), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 8), Cilantro (Apr 22), Turnip (Apr 22), Carrots (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 22), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 22), Cabbage (Apr 22), Collards (Apr 22), Kale (Apr 22), Lettuce (Apr 22), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 15). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 6), Cantaloupe (May 6), Melons (May 6), Pumpkin (May 6), Spaghetti Squash (May 6), Watermelon (May 6), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 6), Sunflowers (May 20), Beans (May 27), Pole Beans (May 27). Transplant from: Calendula (May 6), Swiss Chard (May 6), Bok Choy (May 13), Cauliflower (May 13), Cosmos (May 20), Lavender (May 20), +15 more. Last frost around May 20. |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 3), Cantaloupe (Jun 3), Cucumber (Jun 3), Eggplant (Jun 3), Melons (Jun 3), Pepper (Jun 3), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Celery (Jun 3), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 5), Tomato (Jun 8), Watermelon (Jun 8), Pepper (Jun 13), Tomatillos (Jun 13), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 2), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 7), Pole Beans (Jul 7), Basil (Jul 12), Cosmos (Jul 12), Cucumber (Jul 12), +11 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 6), Carrots (Aug 6), Beets (Aug 7), Dill (Aug 7), Swiss Chard (Aug 7), Calendula (Aug 12), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 5), Spinach (Sep 5), Radish (Sep 6). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 8). First frost around October 8. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 29). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Gladstone, MI (ZIP 49837)?
The median last spring frost date for Gladstone, MI (ZIP code 49837) is around May 20. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before May 5; one in ten it runs past June 4.
What is the first fall frost date in Gladstone, MI?
The median first fall frost date for Gladstone, MI is around October 8. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 20 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Gladstone, MI?
The frost-free growing season in Gladstone is about 141 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Gladstone (141 frost-free days, a moderate season), 38 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 17 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Gladstone, MI?
Gladstone, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Gladstone, MI?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 15 and plant out Jun 3 in Gladstone. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Gladstone?
Two: plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15.
When do I plant garlic in Gladstone?
Oct 8 to Oct 29; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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