Frost Dates for Ishpeming, MI 49849
Last spring frost May 30 · First fall frost September 21 · 114 frost-free days · USDA Zone 4b
ZIP 49849 has about 12,100 people.
Short season: 114 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 15–June 15 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans September 7–October 5 (28 days).
Frost probability for 49849
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 15 | May 30 | May 15 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 7 | September 21 | October 5 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MARQUETTE WFO (20.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 114-day season in Ishpeming
In Ishpeming (114 frost-free days, a short season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 9 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 25 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 72 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 18 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 72 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 31 |
| Carrots | — | May 9–May 16 | 156 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 156 available after May 9. | Jul 20 |
| Cucumber | May 9 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 86 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 13. | Jun 25 |
| Beans | — | Jun 6–Jun 20 | 100 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 100 available after Jun 6. | Jul 2 |
| Peas | — | Apr 4–Jun 13 | 177 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 4. | Jul 11 |
| Zucchini | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 86 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 13. | Jun 30 |
| Onion | Mar 7 | May 2–May 16 | 149 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 149 available after May 2. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 4–May 23 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 19 |
| Kale | Mar 21 | May 2–May 16 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Broccoli | Apr 4 | May 2–May 16 | 149 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 149 available after May 2. | Jun 26 |
| Cabbage | Apr 4 | May 2–May 16 | 163 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 163 available after May 2. | Jul 20 |
| Radish | — | Apr 4–Jun 27 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Sep 28. | Aug 20 |
| Beets | — | Apr 4–Jun 27 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Potatoes | — | May 16–May 23 | 135 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 135 available after May 16. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 21 | 219 | overwinter: Plant Sep 21 to Oct 12; harvest the following summer. | Oct 12 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 25–Jun 20 | 170 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 25; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 2 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 86 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Pumpkin | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 13 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 21 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 18 | May 23–Jun 6 | 128 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 128 available after May 23. | Jul 1 |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 4 | May 16–May 16 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 4–Jun 27 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 19 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 4 | May 2–May 16 | 163 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 163 available after May 2. | Jun 20 |
| Butternut Squash | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 21 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 11 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 72 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 72 available after Jun 13. | — |
| Okra | May 2 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 93 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 6. | Jun 30 |
| Basil | Apr 25 | Jun 20–Jun 20 | 79 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 79 available after Jun 20. | Jun 25 |
| Cilantro | — | May 2–May 23 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Parsley | Mar 21 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 114 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 114 available after Jun 6. | Jul 6 |
| Celery | Mar 21 | Jun 6–Jun 20 | 114 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 6, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 21 | May 2–May 16 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Turnip | — | May 2–May 16 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 9 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Bok Choy | May 2 | May 23–May 30 | 128 | two-plantings: Plant May 23 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 31 |
| Collards | Mar 21 | May 2–May 16 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Cantaloupe | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 72 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Mar 7 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 128 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 128 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 4–Jun 27 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Oregano | Mar 21 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 128 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 128 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Rosemary | Mar 7 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 114 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 114 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Sage | Apr 4 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 128 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 128 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 21 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 128 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 128 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 18 | May 16–May 30 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Cosmos | May 2 | May 30–Jun 13 | 100 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 100 available after May 30. | Jun 25 |
| Lavender | Mar 7 | May 30–Jun 13 | 135 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 135 available after May 30. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 18 | May 30–Jun 6 | 100 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 100 available after May 30. | Jul 5 |
| Melons | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 72 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 30–Jun 13 | 135 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 135 available after May 30. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 100 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 100 available after May 30. | Jun 30 |
| Pole Beans | — | Jun 6–Jun 20 | 93 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 6. | Jun 20 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 13, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 30–Jun 13 | 100 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 100 available after May 30. | Jun 15 |
| Tomatillos | Apr 4 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 79 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 79 available after Jun 6. | — |
| Watermelon | May 16 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 6, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 16 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | 86 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 13. | Jun 30 |
| Zinnias | May 2 | May 30–Jun 13 | 100 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 100 available after May 30. | Jun 25 |
Month by month in Ishpeming
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Start indoors: Chives (Mar 7), Lavender (Mar 7), Onion (Mar 7), Rosemary (Mar 7), Celery (Mar 21), Collards (Mar 21), +5 more. |
| April | Start indoors: Broccoli (Apr 4), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 4), Cabbage (Apr 4), Lettuce (Apr 4), Sage (Apr 4), Swiss Chard (Apr 4), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 4), Beets (Apr 4), Dill (Apr 4), Peas (Apr 4), Radish (Apr 4), Spinach (Apr 4), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 25). |
| May | Start indoors: Bok Choy (May 2), Corn (May 2), Cosmos (May 2), Nasturtiums (May 2), Okra (May 2), Zinnias (May 2), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (May 2), Turnip (May 2), Carrots (May 9), Potatoes (May 16), Sunflowers (May 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 2), Brussel Sprouts (May 2), Cabbage (May 2), Collards (May 2), Kale (May 2), Lettuce (May 2), +12 more. Last frost around May 30. |
| June | Direct sow from: Beans (Jun 6), Pole Beans (Jun 6). Transplant from: Celery (Jun 6), Chives (Jun 6), Corn (Jun 6), Okra (Jun 6), Oregano (Jun 6), Parsley (Jun 6), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jun 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 20), Pole Beans (Jun 20), Basil (Jun 25), Cosmos (Jun 25), Cucumber (Jun 25), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Cauliflower (Jul 1), Beans (Jul 2), Marigolds (Jul 5), Parsley (Jul 6), Peas (Jul 11), Cabbage (Jul 20), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Kale (Aug 4), Kohlrabi (Aug 4), Turnip (Aug 9), Arugula (Aug 19), Spinach (Aug 19), Radish (Aug 20). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 21). First frost around September 21. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 12). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| 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 Ishpeming, MI (ZIP 49849)?
The median last spring frost date for Ishpeming, MI (ZIP code 49849) is around May 30. 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 15; one in ten it runs past June 15.
What is the first fall frost date in Ishpeming, MI?
The median first fall frost date for Ishpeming, MI is around September 21. 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 7 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Ishpeming, MI?
The frost-free growing season in Ishpeming is about 114 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 Ishpeming (114 frost-free days, a short season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 9 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Ishpeming, MI?
Ishpeming, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 4b (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 Ishpeming, MI?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 25 and plant out Jun 13 in Ishpeming. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Ishpeming?
Two: plant May 2 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Sep 28.
When do I plant garlic in Ishpeming?
Sep 21 to Oct 12; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Ishpeming?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 6, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Gladstone (ZIP 49837) has 141 frost-free days, 27 more than Ishpeming (ZIP 49849). See Gladstone ZIP 49837 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Marquette, MI 49855 (17.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Iron Mountain, MI 49801 (36.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Gladstone, MI 49837 (49.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Escanaba, MI 49829 (53.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Houghton, MI 49931 (63.4 mi)
- When to plant in MI
- When to plant Beans in MI
- When to plant Strawberries in MI
- When to plant Beets in MI
- When to plant Broccoli in MI
- When to plant Carrots in MI
- When to plant Kale in MI
- Look up another ZIP