Michigan Garden Calendar
DOWNLOADFebruary 23, 2026 - Melanie Fuhrmann
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EmailPlanting dates based on Zone 6a.
- Plant 1 week earlier in Zone 6b
- Plant 1 week later in Zone 5b
- Plant 2 weeks later in Zone 5a
(Always adjust based on local weather conditions.)
Soil temperature is more important than air temperature.
- Cool-season crops germinate best at 55°F+
- Warm-season crops need 75°F+
Warm soil speeds germination and reduces disease risk.
Most vegetables can be planted from July to September for a fall harvest.
Check “days to maturity” and count backward from the first frost.
Cool-season crops tolerate light frost and often improve in flavor after a chill.
Start spring transplants indoors approximately 4 weeks before outdoor planting. Check the seed packet for exact timing.
Harden off plants 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors.
Cool-season crops = leaves, stems, roots (lettuce, kale)
Warm-season crops = fruits (tomatoes, peppers, corn)
March
Plant:
- Peas
- Spinach
- Lettuce
Garden Tasks:
- Soil test
- Prepare beds
- Clean tools
April
Plant:
- Carrots
- Swiss
- Beets
- Chard
- Radishes
- Potatoes
- Onion sets
- Spinach
Garden Tasks:
- Thin seedlings
- Mulch
- Start warm crops indoors
May
Plant:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Bush beans
After Frost:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Eggplant
Garden Tasks:
- Harden off plants
- Thin early seedlings
June
Plant:
- Pole beans
- Pumpkins
- Sweet corn
- Melons
Garden Tasks:
- Weed and mulch
- Water regularly
- Scout pests
- Stake tomatoes and peas
July
Plant (Fall Crops):
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Turnips
- Spinach
Garden Tasks:
- Weed routinely
- Maintain irrigation
- Harvest often
- Fertilize if needed
- Monitor for pests and diseases
August
Plant (Fall Crops):
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Collards
- Beets
Garden Tasks:
- Shade seedlings
- Continue harvest
- Monitor for pests and diseases
September
Plant:
- Garlic
- Cover crops
Garden Tasks:
- Remove spent plants
- Watch for first frost
October
Garden Tasks:
- Harvest remaining crops
- Clean beds
- Amend soil with organic matter
- Mulch garlic
November
Garden Tasks:
- Soil test
- Mulch garden
- Clean & store tools
- Review season
- Plan next year’s garden
Average Last Spring Frost
Zone 4a: June 1 - June 15
Zone 4b: May 25 - June 10
Zone 5a: May 20 - May 30
Zone 5b: May 10 - May 25
Zone 6a: May 1 - May 15
Zone 6b: April 15 - April 30
Average First Fall Frost
Zone 4a: Sept. 5 - Sept. 20
Zone 4b: Sept. 10 - Sept. 25
Zone 5a: Sept. 20 - Oct. 1
Zone 5b: Sept. 25 - Oct. 10
Zone 6a: Oct. 6 - Oct. 21
Zone 6b: Oct. 15 - Oct. 31
*These are approximate ranges for most years across each zone*
Michigan Plant Hardiness Zone Map
