When to plant in Jackson, MI
USDA Zone 6aJackson, Michigan frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
Zone 6a means Jackson sees real winter cold, but a good range of perennials survive; the frost dates above govern when annual vegetables go out.
The average first fall frost in Jackson is now 6 days later than in the 1981–2010 normals. See how frost dates are shifting nationwide →
Frost probability
JACKSON REYNOLDS FLD · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Jackson’s own odds, recorded at JACKSON REYNOLDS FLD.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 29 | May 13 | Apr 27 | Sep 20 | Oct 3 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | May 18 | May 1 | Apr 16 | Sep 30 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| 28°F | May 6 | Apr 20 | Apr 4 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Jackson, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 34 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Jackson planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Jackson, MI?
Plan for the last spring frost in Jackson around May 1 (the date it has a 50% chance of a 32°F freeze). Anything frost-sensitive should go out after it.
When is the first fall frost in Jackson, MI?
The first fall frost in Jackson typically arrives around October 14 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Jackson in?
Jackson is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. In zone 6a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Jackson?
There are roughly 166 frost-free days in Jackson (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around May 1 to the first fall frost near October 14.
When should I plant tomatoes in Jackson?
In Jackson, start tomato seeds indoors around March 6–March 20, then transplant seedlings outdoors around May 8 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Jackson
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Jackson’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reachFrost dates recorded at JACKSON REYNOLDS FLD, 6 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Jackson, MI — Frost Dates & Zone 6a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00014833. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/michigan/jackson.