W Branch 3SE, MI Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every W Branch 3SE garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 15
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 4
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
142 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 6a
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 29 May 15 May 29
First fall frost Oct 17 Oct 4 Sep 21
Hard freeze (28°F), median last May 1 · first Oct 17

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the W BRANCH 3SE station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for W Branch 3SE

Computed from W Branch 3SE's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-6 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 20 – Apr 3 May 22 – May 29
🫑 Peppers Mar 6 – Mar 20 May 29 – Jun 5
🥬 Lettuce Apr 3 – Apr 17 Apr 17 – May 1 Apr 17 – May 15
🫛 Peas Apr 3 – Apr 17
🥕 Carrots Apr 24 – May 15
🥦 Broccoli Mar 27 – Apr 10 Apr 24 – May 8
🥬 Kale Apr 3 – Apr 17 Apr 17 – May 1 Apr 17 – May 1
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 17 – Apr 24 May 22 – May 29 May 22 – May 29
🥒 Zucchini Apr 17 – Apr 24 May 22 – May 29 May 22 – May 29
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 22 – May 29
🌽 Sweet Corn May 22 – May 29
🌿 Basil Apr 3 – Apr 17 May 22 – May 29 May 29 – Jun 5
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 23 – Sep 20

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use W Branch 3SE's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in W Branch 3SE

At about 142 frost-free days, W Branch 3SE rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in W Branch 3SE, MI?

The average last spring frost in W Branch 3SE is around May 15, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in W Branch 3SE, MI?

The average first fall frost in W Branch 3SE arrives around Oct 4. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in W Branch 3SE?

About 142 frost-free days on average, from May 15 to Oct 4. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is W Branch 3SE in?

USDA zone 6a on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.