State growing guide
Michigan Planting Guide
USDA Zone 5b/6a · Last frost May 3 · First frost Oct 13 · 163 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Michigan.
Frost Dates by City — Michigan
Average frost dates for major Michigan cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 18 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Grand Rapids | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 18 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Lansing | 5b | May 5 | Oct 10 | ~2 wks after (May 5) |
| Flint | 5b | May 5 | Oct 10 | ~2 wks after (May 5) |
| Marquette | 5a | May 15 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 15) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Michigan Gardeners
- Detroit and Grand Rapids gardeners transplant tomatoes mid-to-late May
- Michigan fruit country (western shore) has excellent growing conditions for perennials
- Upper Peninsula (Zone 4–5) needs short-season varieties and row covers
Common Challenges in Michigan
- ⚠ Late spring frosts in May are common in most of Michigan
- ⚠ Slugs are heavy in western MI due to high rainfall
- ⚠ Cool cloudy summers in some years slow tomato ripening
Best Crops for Michigan
Tomatoes Peppers Blueberries Cherries Apples Beans Cucumbers Squash Potatoes Corn
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Michigan
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan Gardening
What zone is Michigan?
Michigan spans Zones 4b (Upper Peninsula) to 6b (southwestern corner). Detroit is Zone 6a, Lansing is Zone 5b, and Marquette is Zone 5a.