Michigan, US
Planting calendar for Detroit
Last frost around April 14, first frost around November 11: about 211 frost-free days.
- Last frost
- April 14 on average
- First frost
- November 11 on average
- Frost-free days
- 211 in a typical year
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Detroit. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
| Crop | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Plant under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Brassicas | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors May 19 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 4; Under cover Apr 21 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 4, and Aug 23 to Sep 1

- Sow outdoors
- May 19 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 4
- Under cover
- Apr 21 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 4, and Aug 23 to Sep 1
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around July 24.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 18 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 2; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 2, and Aug 23 to Aug 30

- Sow outdoors
- May 18 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 2
- Under cover
- Apr 20 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 2, and Aug 23 to Aug 30
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around August 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 23 to Jun 18, and Jul 26 to Aug 4; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 4, and Aug 23 to Sep 1

- Sow outdoors
- May 23 to Jun 18, and Jul 26 to Aug 4
- Under cover
- Apr 25 to Jul 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 4, and Aug 23 to Sep 1
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around August 9.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 23 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 2; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 2, and Aug 23 to Aug 30

- Sow outdoors
- May 23 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 2
- Under cover
- Apr 25 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 2, and Aug 23 to Aug 30
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around August 21.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 26 to Aug 23; Under cover Apr 20 to Sep 20

- Sow outdoors
- May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 26 to Aug 23
- Under cover
- Apr 20 to Sep 20
- First harvest
- About 41 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around June 28.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 26 to Aug 18; Under cover Apr 20 to Sep 15

- Sow outdoors
- May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 26 to Aug 18
- Under cover
- Apr 20 to Sep 15
- First harvest
- About 46 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 3.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 18 to Jun 18, and Jul 26 to Aug 5; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2

- Sow outdoors
- May 18 to Jun 18, and Jul 26 to Aug 5
- Under cover
- Apr 20 to Jul 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors May 13 to Jun 18, and Jul 26 to Aug 7; Under cover Apr 15 to Jul 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 7, and Aug 23 to Sep 4

- Sow outdoors
- May 13 to Jun 18, and Jul 26 to Aug 7
- Under cover
- Apr 15 to Jul 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 7, and Aug 23 to Sep 4
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 12.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 5; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 2

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to Aug 5
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Sep 2
- First harvest
- About 69 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 20; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 17

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to Aug 20
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Sep 17
- First harvest
- About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 31.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 23; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 21

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 23
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jul 21
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 30.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 3, and Jul 22 to Sep 28; Under cover Mar 10 to Oct 26

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 3, and Jul 22 to Sep 28
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Oct 26
- First harvest
- About 18 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around April 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 9, and Jul 26 to Aug 6, and Aug 23 to Sep 3

- Plant outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 6
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jul 9, and Jul 26 to Aug 6, and Aug 23 to Sep 3
- First harvest
- About 64 days after planting. Planted on April 7, ready around June 10.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Apr 7 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 29

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Sep 1
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Sep 29
- First harvest
- About 38 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Apr 9 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 12 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Sep 24

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 9 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Aug 27
- Under cover
- Mar 12 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Sep 24
- First harvest
- About 47 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around May 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Apr 7 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 22; Under cover Mar 10 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 20

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 22
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 20
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 5.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 12 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 29

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to Sep 1
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Sep 29
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 24.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Apr 7 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 10 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 21

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 21
- First harvest
- About 25 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Apr 4 to Jun 3; Under cover Mar 7 to Jul 1

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 4 to Jun 3
- Under cover
- Mar 7 to Jul 1
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors May 13 to Jun 28, and Jul 26 to Aug 11; Under cover Apr 15 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8

- Sow outdoors
- May 13 to Jun 28, and Jul 26 to Aug 11
- Under cover
- Apr 15 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 8.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors May 13 to Aug 21; Under cover Apr 15 to Sep 18

- Sow outdoors
- May 13 to Aug 21
- Under cover
- Apr 15 to Sep 18
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around June 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Apr 2 to Apr 17; Under cover Mar 5 to Mar 20, and Apr 2 to Apr 17, and Apr 30 to May 15

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 2 to Apr 17
- Under cover
- Mar 5 to Mar 20, and Apr 2 to Apr 17, and Apr 30 to May 15
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around November 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 12, and Aug 23 to Sep 9

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Aug 12
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 12, and Aug 23 to Sep 9
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Apr 6 to May 27; Under cover Mar 9 to Jun 24

- Plant outdoors
- Apr 6 to May 27
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Jun 24
- First harvest
- About 89 days after planting. Planted on April 6, ready around July 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Oct 16 to Nov 13; Under cover Sep 18 to Dec 11

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 16 to Nov 13
- Under cover
- Sep 18 to Dec 11
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 16, ready around June 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Apr 7 to Jul 23; Under cover Mar 10 to Aug 20

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jul 23
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Aug 20
- First harvest
- About 97 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around July 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors Apr 4 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 7 to Oct 8

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 4 to Sep 10
- Under cover
- Mar 7 to Oct 8
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Apr 2 to Jun 15; Under cover Mar 5 to Jul 13

- Plant outdoors
- Apr 2 to Jun 15
- Under cover
- Mar 5 to Jul 13
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on April 2, ready around June 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 4

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Aug 7
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Sep 4
- First harvest
- About 71 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Apr 12 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 4

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 7
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 4
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 3; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 1

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 3
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jul 1
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 7; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 5

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 7
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jul 5
- First harvest
- About 114 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around July 30.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 15; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 12

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to Aug 15
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Sep 12
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 7.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Apr 17 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 13; Under cover Mar 20 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 11

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 17 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 13
- Under cover
- Mar 20 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 11
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 17, ready around May 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Apr 17 to Aug 24; Under cover Mar 20 to Sep 21

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 17 to Aug 24
- Under cover
- Mar 20 to Sep 21
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 17, ready around May 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 27

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Aug 30
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Sep 27
- First harvest
- About 47 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 24.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Apr 12 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 15 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 10

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to May 24, and Aug 1 to Sep 12
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Jun 21, and Jul 4 to Oct 10
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 23, and Jul 26 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 10 to Aug 14, and Aug 23 to Sep 11

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 23, and Jul 26 to Aug 14
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Aug 14, and Aug 23 to Sep 11
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors Apr 12 to Oct 2; Under cover Mar 15 to Oct 30

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to Oct 2
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Oct 30
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 7, and Jul 26 to Aug 11; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8

- Plant outdoors
- Apr 7 to Jun 7, and Jul 26 to Aug 11
- Under cover
- Mar 10 to Jul 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryOutdoors Nov 2 to Nov 20; Under cover Oct 5 to Oct 23, and Nov 2 to Nov 20, and Nov 30 to Dec 18

- Plant outdoors
- Nov 2 to Nov 20
- Under cover
- Oct 5 to Oct 23, and Nov 2 to Nov 20, and Nov 30 to Dec 18
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
RhubarbOutdoors Oct 24 to Nov 18; Under cover Sep 26 to Dec 16

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 24 to Nov 18
- Under cover
- Sep 26 to Dec 16
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Questions about growing in Detroit
When is the last frost in Detroit?
On average around April 14, and the first autumn frost comes around November 11. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Detroit?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 19 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 4, or under cover Apr 21 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 4, and Aug 23 to Sep 1.
What can I sow in Detroit in November?
Outdoors: garlic, raspberry, rhubarb.
How accurate are these dates?
They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.
How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work
