Frost Dates for Elkhart, IN
In Elkhart, IN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 26 and the average first fall frost around Oct 21, for a growing season of about 175 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 12, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Goshen 3Sw, IN weather station, 10 miles away, elevation 875 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 12 | Oct 6 |
| 20% | May 7 | Oct 11 |
| 30% | May 3 | Oct 15 |
| 40% | Apr 30 | Oct 18 |
| 50% | Apr 26 | Oct 21 |
| 60% | Apr 23 | Oct 23 |
| 70% | Apr 20 | Oct 26 |
| 80% | Apr 17 | Oct 29 |
| 90% | Apr 13 | Nov 2 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 6 | Oct 7 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Oct 21 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 16 | Nov 1 |
Planting calendar for Elkhart
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 10 – May 24
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant May 10 – May 24
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 23
Fall sowing Aug 26 – Sep 16
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Aug 26
Sow or transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Sep 9
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Fall sowing Jul 29 – Aug 12
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 30
Fall sowing Aug 12 – Aug 26
Plant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Based on the average last frost (Apr 26) and first frost (Oct 21). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.