Frost Dates for Albion, MI 49224
Last spring frost May 10 · First fall frost October 3 · 146 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
Frost probability for 49224
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 27 | May 10 | April 21 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 21 | October 3 | October 15 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (30.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Albion
| 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 peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 10). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| April | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| May | Last frost around May 10. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| June | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| July | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| August | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 3). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 3. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 146-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Albion, MI (ZIP 49224)?
The median last spring frost date for Albion, MI (ZIP code 49224) is around May 10. 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.
What is the first fall frost date in Albion, MI?
The median first fall frost date for Albion, MI is around October 3. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Albion, MI?
The frost-free growing season in Albion is about 146 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.
What USDA hardiness zone is Albion, MI?
Based on frost date patterns, Albion falls approximately in 6a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Albion, MI?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 10). For Albion, that's roughly March 15 to March 29. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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