'last frost date'....what does this mean please?!

16 years ago

Just to clarify, yes I've posted this on another subforum on this website. However the reason I'm posting this again is because I'm unsure if where I put the post originally is the appropriate place to put my post, so I decided to put it here. The reason for this is because it does kind of correlate with starting from seed.

When I look at seed packets, they instruct and specify to start growing anything outdoors (vegetables, herbs, and/or flowers) AFTER danger of frost has passed. People have also suggested that I plant before or after my last frost date, I'm not sure which. I don't understand what this means when people suggest this to me. Somebody gave me a list of cities in Michigan with their frost dates; unfortunately Boyne City Michigan isn't listed among these cities, which is where I live.

Somebody suggested to me that if I plant cool weather vegetables in mid-march in Michigan, I'd be okay. Now I know that cool weather veggies like cool weather, but if the weather is too cold, then they'll die.

Could somebody please shed some light on this? I'm really confused regarding it and don't understand what it means.

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Comments (4)

digdirt2
16 years ago
Several answers to this question in your same post on the Vegetable Gardening forum.

Dave
luv_2_gardn
16 years ago
Yes, you are right, this is a good forum to ask this question. However, I posted a reply in the vegetable forum about getting very specific information for your cite. :)

Take care,
Luv_2_gardn
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luv_2_gardn
16 years ago
Yes, you are right, this is a good forum to ask this question, but I already posted a reply in the vegetable forum about getting very specific information for your cite. :) Have fun growing!

Take care,
Luv_2_gardn
Belgianpup
16 years ago
Cheyboygan's frost dates are 5-30 (last) and 9-25 (first).
Traverse City's dates are 6-9 and 9-17. You are between them.

Of the two, Traverse City's is the shortest season, so unless you have something that makes your area colder than that, those dates should be relatively safe for you. Just keep in mind that the frost dates listed for ANYWHERE are just averages, they aren't engraved in stone. Keep an eye on the weather report, and if a frost is expected, run out and cover your seedlings (except for cole crops, which should be okay).

Or, contact your most-local Cooperative Extension Service and ask:

Phone: 517-355-2308
Toll Free:1-888-MSUE-4MI (1-888-678-3464)
Fax: 517-355-6473

(their email address info was having problems)

Sue