When to plant in Portage, MI
USDA Zone 6aPortage, Michigan frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
In zone 6a, Portage gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
KALAMAZOO BATTLE CK INTL AP · 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 Portage’s own odds, recorded at KALAMAZOO BATTLE CK INTL AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 24 | May 8 | Apr 24 | Sep 22 | Oct 6 | Oct 19 |
| 32°F | May 13 | Apr 28 | Apr 13 | Oct 2 | Oct 18 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | May 3 | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
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 Portage, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 30 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.
Portage planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Portage, MI?
On average, the last spring frost in Portage is around April 28 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Portage, MI?
The first fall frost in Portage typically arrives around October 18 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Portage in?
Portage 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 Portage?
Portage has about 173 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 28) and first fall frost (October 18).
When should I plant tomatoes in Portage?
For Portage, sow tomatoes indoors about March 3–March 17 and move the seedlings out around May 5, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Portage
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Portage’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Kalamazoo · 9 km
- Battle Creek · 32 km
- Sturgis · 47 km
- Coldwater · 56 km
- Elkhart · 64 km
- Niles · 68 km
- Granger · 68 km
- Cutlerville · 72 km
Frost dates recorded at KALAMAZOO BATTLE CK INTL AP, 5 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 Portage, MI — Frost Dates & Zone 6a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00094815. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/michigan/portage.