BiaGet the app

Michigan, US

Planting calendar for Grand Rapids

Last frost around April 22, first frost around November 8: about 200 frost-free days.

Last frost
April 22
on average
First frost
November 8
on average
Frost-free days
200
in a typical year

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Under cover

Nothing this month.

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Grand Rapids. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)
When to sow each crop in Grand Rapids, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
CropJJanFFebMMarAAprMMayJJunJJulAAugSSepOOctNNovDDec
Fruiting
TomatoJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Chile pepperJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Bell pepperJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
EggplantJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ZucchiniJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CucumberJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Winter squashJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Sweet cornJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Roots
CarrotJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
BeetJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ParsnipJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
RadishJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
PotatoJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant under coverJuly: Plant under coverAugust: Plant under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
TurnipJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Leaves
LettuceJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
SpinachJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Swiss chardJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ArugulaJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CeleryJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner beanJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Green beanJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Fava beanJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow under coverJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
PeaJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Onion family
OnionJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
GarlicJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Not this monthJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Plant under coverOctober: Plant outdoors and under coverNovember: Plant outdoors and under coverDecember: Plant under cover
LeekJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ScallionJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ShallotJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant outdoors and under coverJuly: Plant under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Brassicas
CabbageJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
BroccoliJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CauliflowerJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Brussels sproutJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
KaleJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Bok choyJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Herbs
BasilJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ParsleyJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CilantroJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ChivesJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
MintJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Fruit
StrawberryJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant outdoors and under coverJuly: Plant under coverAugust: Plant outdoors and under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
RaspberryJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Not this monthJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Plant under coverNovember: Plant outdoors and under coverDecember: Plant under cover
RhubarbJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Not this monthJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Plant under coverOctober: Plant outdoors and under coverNovember: Plant outdoors and under coverDecember: Plant under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors May 27 to Jun 21; Under cover Apr 29 to Jul 19
Tomato growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 27 to Jun 21
Under cover
Apr 29 to Jul 19
First harvest
About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 27, ready around August 1.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Tomato across the US, town by town
Chile pepperOutdoors May 26 to Jun 21; Under cover Apr 28 to Jul 19
Chile pepper growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 26 to Jun 21
Under cover
Apr 28 to Jul 19
First harvest
About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 26, ready around August 18.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepper across the US, town by town
Bell pepperOutdoors May 31 to Jun 26, and Jul 26 to Aug 1; Under cover May 3 to Aug 1, and Aug 23 to Aug 29
Bell pepper growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 31 to Jun 26, and Jul 26 to Aug 1
Under cover
May 3 to Aug 1, and Aug 23 to Aug 29
First harvest
About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 31, ready around August 17.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepper across the US, town by town
EggplantOutdoors May 31 to Jun 21; Under cover May 3 to Jul 19
Eggplant growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 31 to Jun 21
Under cover
May 3 to Jul 19
First harvest
About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 31, ready around August 29.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Eggplant across the US, town by town
ZucchiniOutdoors May 26 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 28 to Sep 17
Zucchini growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 26 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 20
Under cover
Apr 28 to Sep 17
First harvest
About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 26, ready around July 1.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Zucchini across the US, town by town
CucumberOutdoors May 26 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 15; Under cover Apr 28 to Sep 12
Cucumber growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 26 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 15
Under cover
Apr 28 to Sep 12
First harvest
About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 26, ready around July 7.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Cucumber across the US, town by town
Winter squashOutdoors May 26 to Jun 26, and Jul 26 to Aug 2; Under cover Apr 28 to Aug 2, and Aug 23 to Aug 30
Winter squash growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 26 to Jun 26, and Jul 26 to Aug 2
Under cover
Apr 28 to Aug 2, and Aug 23 to Aug 30
First harvest
About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 26, ready around July 31.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squash across the US, town by town
Sweet cornOutdoors May 21 to Jun 26, and Jul 26 to Aug 3; Under cover Apr 23 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31
Sweet corn growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 21 to Jun 26, and Jul 26 to Aug 3
Under cover
Apr 23 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31
First harvest
About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around July 20.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 2; Under cover Mar 16 to Aug 30
Carrot growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to Aug 2
Under cover
Mar 16 to Aug 30
First harvest
About 71 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 23.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Carrot across the US, town by town
BeetOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 17; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 14
Beet growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to Aug 17
Under cover
Mar 16 to Sep 14
First harvest
About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 2.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Beet across the US, town by town
ParsnipOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 24; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 22
Parsnip growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 24
Under cover
Mar 11 to Jul 22
First harvest
About 86 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around July 3.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Parsnip across the US, town by town
RadishOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 13, and Jul 13 to Sep 26; Under cover Mar 11 to Oct 24
Radish growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 13, and Jul 13 to Sep 26
Under cover
Mar 11 to Oct 24
First harvest
About 19 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around April 27.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Radish across the US, town by town
PotatoOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Aug 3; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31
Potato growing on a plot
Plant outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Aug 3
Under cover
Mar 11 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31
First harvest
About 65 days after planting. Planted on April 8, ready around June 12.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Potato across the US, town by town
TurnipOutdoors Apr 8 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 26
Turnip growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Aug 29
Under cover
Mar 11 to Sep 26
First harvest
About 39 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 17.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 9 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 12 to Sep 22
Lettuce growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 9 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Aug 25
Under cover
Mar 12 to Sep 22
First harvest
About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around May 25.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Lettuce across the US, town by town
SpinachOutdoors Apr 8 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 20; Under cover Mar 11 to Oct 18
Spinach growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 20
Under cover
Mar 11 to Oct 18
First harvest
About 29 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 7.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Spinach across the US, town by town
Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 26
Swiss chard growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to Aug 29
Under cover
Mar 16 to Sep 26
First harvest
About 43 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around May 26.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Swiss chard across the US, town by town
ArugulaOutdoors Apr 8 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 21; Under cover Mar 11 to Oct 19
Arugula growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 21
Under cover
Mar 11 to Oct 19
First harvest
About 26 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 4.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Arugula across the US, town by town
CeleryOutdoors Apr 4 to Jun 3; Under cover Mar 7 to Jul 1
Celery growing on a plot
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.
Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors May 21 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 23 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 5
Runner bean growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 21 to Jul 6, and Jul 26 to Aug 8
Under cover
Apr 23 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 5
First harvest
About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around July 14.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Runner bean across the US, town by town
Green beanOutdoors May 21 to Aug 18; Under cover Apr 23 to Sep 15
Green bean growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
May 21 to Aug 18
Under cover
Apr 23 to Sep 15
First harvest
About 46 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around July 6.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green bean across the US, town by town
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
Fava bean growing on a plot
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.
Fava bean across the US, town by town
PeaOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 9; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 12, and Jul 26 to Aug 9, and Aug 23 to Sep 6
Pea growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Aug 9
Under cover
Mar 11 to Jul 12, and Jul 26 to Aug 9, and Aug 23 to Sep 6
First harvest
About 52 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 30.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Apr 7 to May 28; Under cover Mar 10 to Jun 25
Onion growing on a plot
Plant outdoors
Apr 7 to May 28
Under cover
Mar 10 to Jun 25
First harvest
About 91 days after planting. Planted on April 7, ready around July 7.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Onion across the US, town by town
GarlicOutdoors Oct 15 to Nov 11; Under cover Sep 17 to Dec 9
Garlic growing on a plot
Plant outdoors
Oct 15 to Nov 11
Under cover
Sep 17 to Dec 9
First harvest
About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 15, ready around June 22.
Warmth
Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Garlic across the US, town by town
LeekOutdoors Apr 8 to Jul 24; Under cover Mar 11 to Aug 21
Leek growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jul 24
Under cover
Mar 11 to Aug 21
First harvest
About 100 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around July 17.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leek across the US, town by town
ScallionOutdoors Apr 4 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 7 to Oct 6
Scallion growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 4 to Sep 8
Under cover
Mar 7 to Oct 6
First harvest
About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 16.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Scallion across the US, town by town
ShallotOutdoors Apr 2 to Jun 15; Under cover Mar 5 to Jul 13
Shallot growing on a plot
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.
Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Apr 8 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 5
Cabbage growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Aug 8
Under cover
Mar 11 to Sep 5
First harvest
About 72 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around June 19.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Cabbage across the US, town by town
BroccoliOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 4; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 1
Broccoli growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to Aug 4
Under cover
Mar 16 to Sep 1
First harvest
About 64 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 16.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Broccoli across the US, town by town
CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 13; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 11
Cauliflower growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 13
Under cover
Mar 11 to Jul 11
First harvest
About 79 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around June 26.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Cauliflower across the US, town by town
Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 8; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 6
Brussels sprout growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 8
Under cover
Mar 11 to Jul 6
First harvest
About 117 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around August 3.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Brussels sprout across the US, town by town
KaleOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 9
Kale growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to Aug 12
Under cover
Mar 16 to Sep 9
First harvest
About 57 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 9.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Kale across the US, town by town
Bok choyOutdoors Apr 18 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 11; Under cover Mar 21 to Oct 9
Bok choy growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 18 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 11
Under cover
Mar 21 to Oct 9
First harvest
About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around May 23.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 22 to Aug 22; Under cover Mar 25 to Sep 19
Basil growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 22 to Aug 22
Under cover
Mar 25 to Sep 19
First harvest
About 40 days after sowing. Sown on April 22, ready around June 1.
Warmth
Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
Basil across the US, town by town
ParsleyOutdoors Apr 8 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 24
Parsley growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Aug 27
Under cover
Mar 11 to Sep 24
First harvest
About 48 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 26.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Parsley across the US, town by town
CilantroOutdoors Apr 13 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 16 to Oct 8
Cilantro growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 10
Under cover
Mar 16 to Oct 8
First harvest
About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around May 19.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
Cilantro across the US, town by town
ChivesOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 24, and Jul 26 to Aug 11; Under cover Mar 11 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8
Chives growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 24, and Jul 26 to Aug 11
Under cover
Mar 11 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.
Chives across the US, town by town
MintOutdoors Apr 13 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 16 to Oct 28
Mint growing on a plot
Sow outdoors
Apr 13 to Sep 30
Under cover
Mar 16 to Oct 28
First harvest
Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Apr 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 11 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 5
Strawberry growing on a plot
Plant outdoors
Apr 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Aug 8
Under cover
Mar 11 to Jul 11, and Jul 26 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 5
First harvest
Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth
Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Strawberry across the US, town by town
RaspberryOutdoors Oct 31 to Nov 19; Under cover Oct 3 to Oct 22, and Oct 31 to Nov 19, and Nov 28 to Dec 17
Raspberry growing on a plot
Plant outdoors
Oct 31 to Nov 19
Under cover
Oct 3 to Oct 22, and Oct 31 to Nov 19, and Nov 28 to Dec 17
First harvest
Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth
Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Raspberry across the US, town by town
RhubarbOutdoors Oct 22 to Nov 16; Under cover Sep 24 to Dec 14
Rhubarb growing on a plot
Plant outdoors
Oct 22 to Nov 16
Under cover
Sep 24 to Dec 14
First harvest
Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth
Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Questions about growing in Grand Rapids

When is the last frost in Grand Rapids?

On average around April 22, and the first autumn frost comes around November 8. 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 Grand Rapids?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 27 to Jun 21, or under cover Apr 29 to Jul 19.

What can I sow in Grand Rapids 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.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Grand Rapids. Free for 2 months.

Get it on Google PlayApp StoreComing soon

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