Frost Dates for Sterling Heights, MI
In Sterling Heights, MI, the average last spring frost is around Apr 30 and the average first fall frost around Oct 24, for a growing season of about 174 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 15, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Mt Clemens Ang Base, MI weather station, 11 miles away, elevation 580 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 15 | Oct 7 |
| 20% | May 9 | Oct 13 |
| 30% | May 5 | Oct 18 |
| 40% | May 2 | Oct 21 |
| 50% | Apr 30 | Oct 24 |
| 60% | Apr 28 | Oct 26 |
| 70% | Apr 25 | Oct 29 |
| 80% | Apr 21 | Nov 1 |
| 90% | Apr 16 | Nov 3 |
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 11 | Oct 9 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 30 | Oct 24 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 18 | Nov 3 |
Planting calendar for Sterling Heights
Transplant May 7 – May 21
Transplant May 14 – May 28
Transplant May 14 – May 28
Transplant May 7 – May 21
Sow or transplant May 7 – May 21
Sow or transplant May 7 – May 21
Sow or transplant May 14 – May 28
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 19
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Sep 12
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Oct 3
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Plant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Based on the average last frost (Apr 30) and first frost (Oct 24). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.