When to Plant in Detroit, MI
Detroit sits in Southeast Michigan — Zone 6a with a typical last frost around April 26. The Great Lakes influence moderates temperatures somewhat, and the city's growing urban agriculture movement has created hundreds of community gardens across the metro area.
Detroit gardeners work with roughly 160 frost-free days. Starting seeds indoors is essential, and the city's community garden renaissance has made vegetable growing a major part of Detroit's urban renewal story.
FAQ
When is the last frost date in Detroit, MI?
Detroit's average last frost date is around April 26. The Great Lakes moderating effect means slightly earlier frosts than inland Michigan cities.
What grows best in Detroit?
Cool-season crops in spring and fall: peas, lettuce, spinach, and kale. Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash produce well through Michigan's summer.
How does Detroit's urban agriculture movement work?
Detroit has one of the most active urban farming communities in the country, with hundreds of community gardens and urban farms. Check Detroit's RecoveryPark, Keep Growing Detroit, and Eastern Market for resources.
How does Plan My Garden help Detroit gardeners?
Enter your Detroit zip code for exact planting dates tuned to Southeast Michigan's growing calendar.
Frost dates for Detroit ZIP codes
Other city guides in Michigan
Published crop guides
- Arugula
- Basil
- Beans
- Beets
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Butternut Squash
- Cabbage
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Collard Greens
- Cucumbers
- Dill
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Melons
- Okra
- Onions
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Peas
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Scallions
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sweet Corn
- Swiss Chard
- Thyme
- Tomatoes
- Turnip
- Zucchini