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Detroit, MI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Detroit usually comes around Apr 22 and the first fall frost around Nov 7, a growing season of about 199 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25 and plant them outside May 6 – May 20.

Last spring frostApr 22
First fall frostNov 7
Growing season199 days

When to plant vegetables in Detroit

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 20—
PeppersMar 4 – Mar 18May 13 – May 27—
EggplantMar 4 – Mar 18May 13 – May 27—
Cucumbers—May 6 – May 20—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 6 – May 20—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 13 – May 27—
Green beans—May 6 – May 20Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sweet corn—May 6 – May 20—
BasilMar 25 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20—
LettuceFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – May 6Sep 12 – Sep 26
Spinach—Mar 11 – Apr 1Sep 12 – Sep 26
Peas—Mar 11 – Apr 1Aug 29 – Sep 12
Carrots—Mar 25 – Apr 29Aug 15 – Aug 29
Radishes—Mar 18 – May 6Sep 26 – Oct 10
BroccoliFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8Aug 15 – Aug 29
KaleFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 18 – Apr 1Aug 29 – Sep 12
Onions—Mar 25 – Apr 8—
Potatoes—Apr 1 – Apr 29—
Garlic——Oct 24 – Nov 28

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Detroit. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Detroit

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Detroit?

The median last spring frost is Apr 22 and the median first fall frost is Nov 7, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Detroit?

Start seeds indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25 and set plants outside May 6 – May 20, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Detroit?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 7): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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