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Kalamazoo, MI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Kalamazoo usually comes around Apr 29 and the first fall frost around Oct 21, a growing season of about 175 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 and plant them outside May 13 – May 27.

Last spring frostApr 29
First fall frostOct 21
Growing season175 days

When to plant vegetables in Kalamazoo

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 18 – Apr 1May 13 – May 27—
PeppersMar 11 – Mar 25May 20 – Jun 3—
EggplantMar 11 – Mar 25May 20 – Jun 3—
Cucumbers—May 13 – May 27—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 13 – May 27—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 20 – Jun 3—
Green beans—May 13 – May 27Jul 29 – Aug 12
Sweet corn—May 13 – May 27—
BasilApr 1 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27—
LettuceMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 1 – May 13Aug 26 – Sep 9
Spinach—Mar 18 – Apr 8Aug 26 – Sep 9
Peas—Mar 18 – Apr 8Aug 12 – Aug 26
Carrots—Apr 1 – May 6Jul 29 – Aug 12
Radishes—Mar 25 – May 13Sep 9 – Sep 23
BroccoliFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 1 – Apr 15Jul 29 – Aug 12
KaleMar 4 – Mar 18Mar 25 – Apr 8Aug 12 – Aug 26
Onions—Apr 1 – Apr 15—
Potatoes—Apr 8 – May 6—
Garlic——Oct 7 – Nov 11

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

Month-by-month planting in Kalamazoo

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, 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, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: 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 Kalamazoo?

The median last spring frost is Apr 29 and the median first fall frost is Oct 21, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Kalamazoo?

Start seeds indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 and set plants outside May 13 – May 27, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Kalamazoo?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 21): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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