When To Plant Veggies In Michigan

Knowing when to plant veggies in Michigan is the first step to a successful harvest. Our state’s unique climate, with its late springs and early frosts, makes timing everything.

This guide will walk you through the seasons, helping you sync your garden with Michigan’s rhythm. We’ll cover frost dates, cool and warm-season crops, and a simple month-by-month plan to keep you on track.

This core schedule is based on average frost dates. Southern Michigan (Zones 6a-6b) can start a week or two earlier than Northern Michigan (Zones 4a-5b). Always check your local forecast for late cold snaps.

Understanding Your Frost Dates

Your planting calendar revolves around two key dates:

Last Spring Frost: The average final date of frost in spring. This is your green light for tender plants.
First Fall Frost: The average first frost in autumn. This tells you when your growing season will end.

In Detroit, the last spring frost is around May 7th. In Traverse City, it’s closer to May 21st. In the cold Upper Peninsula, it can be early June. Mark your local date on your calendar—it’s your garden’s start gun.

Cool-Season Vegetables: Plant Early and Late

These crops thrive in cooler temps and can handle a light frost. Some are planted as soon as the soil is workable in spring, others in late summer for a fall harvest.

Early Spring (2-4 weeks before last frost): Direct sow seeds for peas, spinach, radishes, kale, and carrots. You can also plant onion sets and potato pieces.
Transplants in Early Spring: Put out started plants of broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce around your last frost date.
Late Summer (6-8 weeks before first fall frost): Sow seeds again for lettuce, spinach, radishes, and kale for a sweet fall crop.

Warm-Season Vegetables: Wait for the Heat

These veggies need warm soil and air, with no chance of frost. Planting them to early will stunt their growth.

After Last Frost: This is the time for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and squash. Always wait until nights are consistently above 50°F.
For Super-Tender Crops: Wait an extra 1-2 weeks for beans, melons, and sweet corn. Their seeds rot in cool, damp soil.

A good rule is to plant your warm-season crops around Memorial Day weekend. It’s a safe bet for most of Michigan.

A Michigan Month-by-Month Planting Guide

March – April: The Early Prep

As snow melts, focus on prep and hardy seeds.

Clean garden beds and tools.
Test and amend your soil if you haven’t already.
As soon as soil is dry enough to crumble in your hand, direct sow peas, spinach, and radishes.
Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli.

May: The Big Transition

May is busy. Harden off your indoor seedlings for 7-10 days before planting them outside.

Early May: Plant more cool-weather seeds and potato sets.
Mid-May: Set out broccoli and cabbage transplants.
After your frost date: Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Direct sow beans and cucumber seeds.

June: Warm-Season Planting Finishes

Finish planting all warm-season crops by early June. Direct sow successions of beans and sweet corn for a longer harvest. Keep an eye on watering as temperatures rise, new plants need consistent moisture to establish.

July – August: Fall Planting Begins

It’s time to think about fall! In late July, start sowing your cool-season crops again.

Calculate back from your first fall frost date.
Sow carrots, beets, and bush beans for early fall harvest.
In mid-August, plant lettuce, spinach, and radish seeds directly in the garden.

September – October: Harvest and Protect

Harvest continues as nights get cooler. Protect tender crops like tomatoes with covers if an early frost threatens. Harvest all remaining warm-weather veggies after the first frost warning. Garlic is planted in late October for next year’s crop.

Tips for Extending Your Season

Michigan’s season can be short, but these tricks help you gain weeks.

Use Cold Frames or Row Covers: These simple structures shield plants from frost, letting you plant earlier and harvest later.
Choose Fast-Maturing Varieties: Look for seed packets labeled “early season” or with low “days to maturity” numbers, especially for tomatoes and melons.
Warm the Soil: Use black plastic mulch on beds a few weeks before planting warm-season crops. It absorbs heat and speeds up growth.
Consider Container Gardening: Pots warm up faster in spring and can be moved to sheltered spots in the fall.

Common Michigan Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors in our climate.

Planting Too Early: Impatience is the biggest culprit. Cold soil prevents seed germination and shocks transplants.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: A warm air day doesn’t mean the soil is warm. Invest in a simple soil thermometer.
Not Hardening Off Transplants: Moving indoor seedlings directly outside stresses them badly. Acclimate them gradually to sun and wind.
Forgetting Succession Planting: Don’t sow all your lettuce or radishes at once. Stagger plantings every two weeks for a continuous harvest.

FAQ: Michigan Vegetable Planting

What is the best month to plant a garden in Michigan?
May is the primary planting month. Cool-season crops go in early May, and warm-season crops are planted after the last frost, typically from mid-to-late May.

When should I start seeds indoors for Michigan?
Start peppers and eggplant in early March. Start tomatoes and broccoli in late March to early April. Check seed packets for specific timing, as it’s usually 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

Can you grow vegetables year-round in Michigan?
Outdoors, no. But with a strong cold frame or greenhouse, you can grow hardy greens like spinach and mache through much of the winter. The main outdoor season runs from April to October.

What are the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners in Michigan?
Start with radishes, leaf lettuce, green beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. These are generally reliable and forgiving for new gardeners learning the timing.

When is it to late to plant tomatoes in Michigan?
Aim to have tomato transplants in the ground by mid-June. Planting later risks the fruit not ripening before fall’s cool weather and frost arrives.

Gardening in Michigan is a rewarding partnership with the seasons. By following this planting guide and observing your own garden’s conditions, you’ll fill your basket with fresh, homegrown vegetables from spring straight through fall. Remember, local gardening groups and MSU Extension are fantastic resources for advice tailored to your specific area.