When to Plant in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor, Michigan, experiences a median last spring frost on April 28 and a median first fall frost on October 15, providing approximately 170 frost-free days during the growing season. This substantial frost-free period allows gardeners to cultivate a diverse array of vegetables and flowers, ensuring ample opportunity for planting various crops throughout the warm months. The climate's specifics, such as well-defined seasons, significantly influence what can be grown successfully.

The microclimate in Ann Arbor is classified as humid continental (4 distinct seasons), which means that gardeners can expect both hot summers and cold winters. This climate type is advantageous for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly cool-season crops like kale and broccoli, which thrive in the cooler spring and fall months. However, heat-loving crops like eggplant and cucumbers might struggle if they are planted too late in the season, as the growing window for these plants can be cut shorter by the early frost on October 15.

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