Frost Dates for Michigan City, IN
In Michigan City, IN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 19 and the average first fall frost around Oct 27, for a growing season of about 191 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 3, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Laporte, IN weather station, 10 miles away, elevation 809 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 3 | Oct 14 |
| 20% | Apr 29 | Oct 19 |
| 30% | Apr 25 | Oct 22 |
| 40% | Apr 22 | Oct 24 |
| 50% | Apr 19 | Oct 27 |
| 60% | Apr 17 | Oct 30 |
| 70% | Apr 13 | Nov 1 |
| 80% | Apr 10 | Nov 4 |
| 90% | Apr 5 | Nov 9 |
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) | Apr 30 | Oct 16 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Oct 27 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 7 | Nov 7 |
Planting calendar for Michigan City
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 29
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 22
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 15
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 6
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Plant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Based on the average last frost (Apr 19) and first frost (Oct 27). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.