Frost Dates for Cadillac, MI 49601
Last spring frost May 29 · First fall frost September 16 · 110 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
Frost probability for 49601
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 14 | May 29 | May 12 |
| Fall (first frost) | August 31 | September 16 | October 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (26.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Cadillac
| 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 29). 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 29. 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 | First fall frost approaching (around September 16). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| September | First frost around September 16. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| October | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 110-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Cadillac, MI (ZIP 49601)?
The median last spring frost date for Cadillac, MI (ZIP code 49601) is around May 29. 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 Cadillac, MI?
The median first fall frost date for Cadillac, MI is around September 16. 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 Cadillac, MI?
The frost-free growing season in Cadillac is about 110 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 Cadillac, MI?
Based on frost date patterns, Cadillac falls approximately in 5a. 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 Cadillac, MI?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 29). For Cadillac, that's roughly April 3 to April 17. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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