Updated May 2026 · 0 plants · 0 actions
Midwest gets 162 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 6a (Midwest) has an average last frost of May 1 and first frost of Oct 10, giving roughly 162 frost-free days. Mid-May frost-free start. Hot July/august — mulch heavily. Sources: Ohio State Extension, MSU Extension & Great Lakes gardeners.