Updated May 2026 · 0 plants · 0 actions
Midwest gets 148 frost-free days — enough room for one full warm-season crop and a quick cool-season second act. September is the editorial lens for what to start, transplant, and direct-seed now. Pick a USDA zone above to compare.
USDA Zone 5b (Midwest) has an average last frost of May 10 and first frost of Oct 5, giving roughly 148 frost-free days. Last frost mid-May. Memorial Day is the safe transplant rule of thumb. Sources: U of I Extension, Purdue Extension & Midwestern gardeners.