In Michigan, the timing for planting vegetables depends on whether the vegetables are cool-season or warm-season crops.
- Cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, kale, peas, spinach, radishes, carrots, onions, and beets can be planted early as soon as the ground can be worked and is not frozen. This typically happens in mid-March to early April in southern Michigan, and one to three weeks later further north. These vegetables can tolerate some frost and cooler temperatures, so they can be planted before the last frost date in your area.
- Warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, cucumbers, melons, squash, and corn are sensitive to frost and cooler temperatures. These should be planted only after the danger of frost has passed, generally mid to late May. This is usually around the time when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently (70°F or higher for good germination). Gardeners often start these plants indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside. For example, tomatoes and peppers can be started from seed indoors around mid-March and transplanted into the garden mid-May when the weather is warmer.
- The last frost dates in Michigan vary by location but generally range from early May (e.g., Detroit around May 2) to mid-May (e.g., Grand Rapids around May 15). It is safest to plant warm-season crops outdoors after these dates.
Summary by planting type and timing:
- Cool-season crops: Plant outdoors mid-March to early April onward
- Warm-season crops: Start indoors mid-March, transplant outdoors mid to late May after frost risk
Planting calendars can be more precise for your specific Michigan location, using local frost dates and USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, or 6. This approach will maximize your vegetable growth and harvest window considering Michigan's climate.
If you have a specific city or region in Michigan, I can provide more detailed frost dates or planting schedules.
