Frost Dates for Petoskey, MI 49770
Last spring frost May 29 · First fall frost September 17 · 111 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 49770 has about 18,200 people.
Short season: 111 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 14–June 13 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 3–October 2 (29 days).
Frost probability for 49770
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 13 | May 29 | May 14 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 3 | September 17 | October 2 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PELLSTON RGNL AP (25.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 111-day season in Petoskey
In Petoskey (111 frost-free days, a short season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 8 need an indoor start, 2 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 24 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 69 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 17 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 69 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 27 |
| Carrots | — | May 8–May 15 | 153 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 153 available after May 8. | Jul 16 |
| Cucumber | May 8 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 83 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 12. | Jun 21 |
| Beans | — | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 97 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 97 available after Jun 5. | Jun 28 |
| Peas | — | Apr 3–Jun 12 | 174 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 3. | Jul 7 |
| Zucchini | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 83 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 12. | Jun 26 |
| Onion | Mar 6 | May 1–May 15 | 146 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 146 available after May 1. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 3–May 22 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 15 |
| Kale | Mar 20 | May 1–May 15 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 146 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 146 available after May 1. | Jun 22 |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after May 1. | Jul 16 |
| Radish | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Sep 24. | Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Potatoes | — | May 15–May 22 | 132 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 132 available after May 15. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 17 | 216 | overwinter: Plant Sep 17 to Oct 8; harvest the following summer. | Oct 8 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 24–Jun 19 | 167 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 24; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 1 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 83 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Pumpkin | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 12 | 76 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Petoskey has 76 after Jun 12. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 17 | May 22–Jun 5 | 125 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 125 available after May 22. | Jun 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 3 | May 15–May 15 | 132 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 15 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 160 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 160 available after May 1. | Jun 16 |
| Butternut Squash | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 76 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Petoskey has 76 after Jun 12. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 10 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 69 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Okra | May 1 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 90 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 90 available after Jun 5. | Jun 26 |
| Basil | Apr 24 | Jun 19–Jun 19 | 76 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 76 available after Jun 19. | Jun 21 |
| Cilantro | — | May 1–May 22 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Parsley | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 111 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 111 available after Jun 5. | Jul 2 |
| Celery | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 111 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 9 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 20 | May 1–May 15 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Turnip | — | May 1–May 15 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 5 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Bok Choy | May 1 | May 22–May 29 | 125 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 27 |
| Collards | Mar 20 | May 1–May 15 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Cantaloupe | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 69 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 16 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Mar 6 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 125 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 125 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Oregano | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 125 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 125 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Rosemary | Mar 6 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 111 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 111 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Sage | Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 125 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 125 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 125 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 125 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 17 | May 15–May 29 | 132 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Cosmos | May 1 | May 29–Jun 12 | 97 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 97 available after May 29. | Jun 21 |
| Lavender | Mar 6 | May 29–Jun 12 | 132 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 132 available after May 29. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 17 | May 29–Jun 5 | 97 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 97 available after May 29. | Jul 1 |
| Melons | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 69 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 16 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 132 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 132 available after May 29. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 1 | May 29–Jun 5 | 97 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 97 available after May 29. | Jun 26 |
| Pole Beans | — | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 90 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 90 available after Jun 5. | Jun 16 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 76 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 14 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 97 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 97 available after May 29. | Jun 11 |
| Tomatillos | Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 76 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 76 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Watermelon | May 15 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 76 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 83 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 12. | Jun 26 |
| Zinnias | May 1 | May 29–Jun 12 | 97 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 97 available after May 29. | Jun 21 |
Month by month in Petoskey
| 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 6), Lavender (Mar 6), Onion (Mar 6), Rosemary (Mar 6), Celery (Mar 20), Collards (Mar 20), +5 more. |
| April | Start indoors: Broccoli (Apr 3), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 3), Cabbage (Apr 3), Lettuce (Apr 3), Sage (Apr 3), Swiss Chard (Apr 3), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 3), Beets (Apr 3), Dill (Apr 3), Peas (Apr 3), Radish (Apr 3), Spinach (Apr 3), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 24). |
| May | Start indoors: Bok Choy (May 1), Corn (May 1), Cosmos (May 1), Nasturtiums (May 1), Okra (May 1), Zinnias (May 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (May 1), Turnip (May 1), Carrots (May 8), Potatoes (May 15), Sunflowers (May 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 1), Brussel Sprouts (May 1), Cabbage (May 1), Collards (May 1), Kale (May 1), Lettuce (May 1), +12 more. Last frost around May 29. |
| June | Direct sow from: Beans (Jun 5), Pole Beans (Jun 5). Transplant from: Celery (Jun 5), Chives (Jun 5), Corn (Jun 5), Okra (Jun 5), Oregano (Jun 5), Parsley (Jun 5), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jun 11), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 16), Pole Beans (Jun 16), Basil (Jun 21), Cosmos (Jun 21), Cucumber (Jun 21), +8 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Jul 1), Parsley (Jul 2), Peas (Jul 7), Cabbage (Jul 16), Carrots (Jul 16), Beets (Jul 17), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Aug 5), Arugula (Aug 15), Spinach (Aug 15), Radish (Aug 16). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 17). First frost around September 17. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 8). |
| 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 Petoskey, MI (ZIP 49770)?
The median last spring frost date for Petoskey, MI (ZIP code 49770) is around May 29. 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 14; one in ten it runs past June 13.
What is the first fall frost date in Petoskey, MI?
The median first fall frost date for Petoskey, MI is around September 17. 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 3 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Petoskey, MI?
The frost-free growing season in Petoskey is about 111 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 Petoskey (111 frost-free days, a short season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 8 need an indoor start, 2 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Petoskey, MI?
Petoskey, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (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 Petoskey, MI?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 24 and plant out Jun 12 in Petoskey. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Petoskey?
Two: plant May 1 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 24.
When do I plant garlic in Petoskey?
Sep 17 to Oct 8; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Petoskey?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 9 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Cheboygan (ZIP 49721) has 136 frost-free days, 25 more than Petoskey (ZIP 49770). See Cheboygan ZIP 49721 frost dates
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- When to plant in MI
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