what can i plant now in michigan

What to Plant Now in Michigan

By Joshua KingJanuary 13, 2026

Spring is in the air, and if you're a Michigan gardener, you're likely eager to get your hands dirty and start planting. But with our state's diverse climate zones and variable weather, it's essential to know what to plant and when. Let's dive into the world of Michigan gardening and explore what you can plant now to make the most of our beautiful state's growing season.

Michigan's planting season typically spans from late April to early June, depending on your location and the specific plant's requirements. However, some hardy vegetables and flowers can be planted as early as late March or early April. To help you make informed decisions, we've compiled a list of plants that thrive in Michigan's climate and can be planted now.

Cool-Season Crops

Cool-season crops are perfect for Michigan's spring planting season, as they prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. These plants will mature before the summer heat sets in, making them an excellent choice for early planting.

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Cool-season crops include a variety of vegetables, greens, and root vegetables. Some popular options for Michigan gardeners are:

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are excellent choices for early spring planting. They prefer temperatures between 40-65°F (4-18°C) and can be harvested within 45-65 days, depending on the variety. Plant seeds directly into the soil or start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.

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Consider trying different varieties, such as loose-leaf lettuce for continuous harvest or head lettuce for a single harvest. You can also experiment with unique greens like arugula, mustard greens, or Swiss chard to add variety to your garden and meals.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes are well-suited to Michigan's cool climate. They prefer temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C) and can be harvested within 50-70 days, depending on the vegetable and variety.

Plant seeds directly into the soil, ensuring they have enough space to grow. For carrots, this means spacing seeds about 1/4 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Beets and radishes can be planted more densely, with seeds spaced about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.

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Warm-Season Crops

While it might be tempting to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in early spring, it's essential to wait until the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. In Michigan, this typically means waiting until late May or early June, depending on your location and the specific plant's requirements.

However, some warm-season crops can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost and then transplanted into the garden. This gives them a head start and can help extend your growing season. Some popular warm-season crops for Michigan gardeners are:

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a staple in many Michigan gardens and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and can be harvested within 60-85 days, depending on the variety.

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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, and transplant seedlings into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Ensure they have plenty of space to grow, as most tomato plants require at least 1-2 square feet of space per plant.

Peppers

Peppers come in various shapes, sizes, and heat levels, from sweet bell peppers to fiery jalapeños. They prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and can be harvested within 60-90 days, depending on the variety.

Like tomatoes, peppers can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost and then transplanted into the garden. They require well-draining soil and consistent moisture to thrive.

Michigan's diverse climate zones and variable weather can make gardening a challenge, but with careful planning and the right plants, you can create a thriving garden that provides fresh produce throughout the growing season. By understanding what to plant and when, you can make the most of our state's unique growing conditions and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.