Frost Dates for Mishawaka, IN

In Mishawaka, IN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 23 and the average first fall frost around Oct 23, for a growing season of about 181 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 2350% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 9only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2350% chance of frost before this date
Growing season181 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the S Bend, IN weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 710 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.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 9Oct 9
20%May 3Oct 14
30%Apr 30Oct 18
40%Apr 26Oct 20
50%Apr 23Oct 23
60%Apr 21Oct 26
70%Apr 18Oct 29
80%Apr 15Nov 1
90%Apr 11Nov 5

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.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)May 3Oct 12
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 23Oct 23
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 12Nov 3

Planting calendar for Mishawaka

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Peppers
Indoors Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant May 7 – May 21
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant May 7 – May 21
Basil
Indoors Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 26 – Apr 2
Sow or transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 26 – Apr 2
Sow or transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 30 – May 14
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 26 – Apr 2
Sow or transplant May 7 – May 21
Green beans
Sow Apr 30 – May 14
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 30 – May 14
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 12 – Mar 26
Sow or transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 25
Spinach
Sow Mar 12 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 18
Peas
Sow Mar 12 – Mar 26
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Kale
Indoors Feb 26 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Sep 11
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Carrots
Sow Apr 2 – Apr 23
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Radishes
Sow Mar 19 – Apr 9
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 2
Beets
Sow Apr 2 – Apr 23
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 29 – Feb 12
Plant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Potatoes
Plant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Garlic
Plant Oct 23 – Nov 20

Based on the average last frost (Apr 23) and first frost (Oct 23). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

South BendElkhartGoshenMichigan CityValparaisoPortageHobartMerrillvilleAll Indiana towns