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Traverse City, MI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Traverse City usually comes around May 9 and the first fall frost around Oct 27, a growing season of about 171 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 28 – Apr 11 and plant them outside May 23 – Jun 6.

Last spring frostMay 9
First fall frostOct 27
Growing season171 days

When to plant vegetables in Traverse City

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 28 – Apr 11May 23 – Jun 6—
PeppersMar 21 – Apr 4May 30 – Jun 13—
EggplantMar 21 – Apr 4May 30 – Jun 13—
Cucumbers—May 23 – Jun 6—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 23 – Jun 6—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 30 – Jun 13—
Green beans—May 23 – Jun 6Aug 4 – Aug 18
Sweet corn—May 23 – Jun 6—
BasilApr 11 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6—
LettuceMar 14 – Mar 28Apr 11 – May 23Sep 1 – Sep 15
Spinach—Mar 28 – Apr 18Sep 1 – Sep 15
Peas—Mar 28 – Apr 18Aug 18 – Sep 1
Carrots—Apr 11 – May 16Aug 4 – Aug 18
Radishes—Apr 4 – May 23Sep 15 – Sep 29
BroccoliFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 11 – Apr 25Aug 4 – Aug 18
KaleMar 14 – Mar 28Apr 4 – Apr 18Aug 18 – Sep 1
Onions—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Potatoes—Apr 18 – May 16—
Garlic——Oct 13 – Nov 17

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

Month-by-month planting in Traverse City

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, 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: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  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: 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 Traverse City?

The median last spring frost is May 9 and the median first fall frost is Oct 27, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Traverse City?

Start seeds indoors Mar 28 – Apr 11 and set plants outside May 23 – Jun 6, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Traverse City?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 27): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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