Upper Peninsula Michigan Gardening Calendar
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April 1, 2026
–
Melanie Fuhrmann
For recommendations for the Lower Peninsula, see the Lower Peninsula Michigan Garden Calendar.
The following monthly planting dates are based on Zone 4b:
Plant 1 week earlier in Zone 5a
Plant 2 weeks earlier in Zone 5b
Plant 1 week later in Zone 4a
(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 fall vegetables can be planted from July through early August in the Upper Peninsula. 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)
* = This list can be planted as seeds or transplants.
March
Plant (indoors):
Onions
Leeks
Peppers
Eggplant
Garden Tasks:
Order seeds
Create garden plan
Start indoor seedlings for warm season crops
April
Plant (indoors):
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Squash
Garden Tasks:
Soil test as ground thaws
Start indoor seedlings
May
Plant Seed Outdoors:
Peas
Spinach
Lettuce
Carrots
Potatoes
Onion sets
Radish
After Frost*:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Onions (seedlings)
Leeks
Garden Tasks:
Harden off plants
Thin early seedlings
June
Plant*:
Zucchini
Pumpkins
Sweet corn
Beans
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Cucumbers
Garden Tasks:
Weed and mulch
Water regularly
Scout pests
Stake tomatoes and peas
July
Plant (Fall Crops):
Radishes
Lettuce
Turnips
Spinach
Kale
Garden Tasks:
Weed routinely
Maintain irrigation
Harvest often
Fertilize if needed
Monitor for pests and diseases
August
Plant (Fall Crops):
Spinach
Kale
Collards
Beets
Garden Tasks:
Shade seedlings
Continue harvest
Remove spent plants
Monitor for pests and diseases
September
Plant:
Garden Tasks:
Remove old 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 (if ground isn’t frozen)
Mulch garden
Clean and 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
MSU Enviroweather (Soil temp, moisture & rainfall)
MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan
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