Frost Dates for Marquette, MI 49855
Last spring frost May 30 · First fall frost September 21 · 114 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
Frost probability for 49855
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 15 | May 30 | May 15 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 7 | September 21 | October 5 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (7.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Marquette
| 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 30). 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 30. 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 21). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| September | First frost around September 21. 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 114-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Marquette, MI (ZIP 49855)?
The median last spring frost date for Marquette, MI (ZIP code 49855) is around May 30. 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 Marquette, MI?
The median first fall frost date for Marquette, MI is around September 21. 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 Marquette, MI?
The frost-free growing season in Marquette is about 114 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 Marquette, MI?
Based on frost date patterns, Marquette falls approximately in 5b. 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 Marquette, MI?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 30). For Marquette, that's roughly April 4 to April 18. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Ishpeming, MI 49849 (17.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Gladstone, MI 49837 (50.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Iron Mountain, MI 49801 (51.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Escanaba, MI 49829 (56.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Houghton, MI 49931 (67.2 mi)
- When to plant in MI
- When to plant Beans in MI
- When to plant Strawberries in MI
- When to plant Beets in MI
- When to plant Broccoli in MI
- When to plant Carrots in MI
- When to plant Kale in MI
- Look up another ZIP