What to Plant in Michigan
Your complete gardening guide for Michigan (USDA Zones 3–6, typically Zone 5). Browse 1831 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.
Last Frost
April 15 – May 15
By zone (6 → 3)
First Frost
September 15 – October 15
By zone (3 → 6)
Growing Season
120–180 days
Shortest → longest
Varieties
1831
across 28 categories
Growing Season
Plant after April 30 · Harvest before October 5
Michigan · Zones 3–6
All Zone 5 plants →Michigan spans Zones 3–6. The timeline above shows typical Zone 5 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.
Best Crops for Michigan
1,831 varieties across 28 categories
Alliums
44 varieties for Michigan
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.
Beans & Legumes
84 varieties for Michigan
Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.
Berries & Fruits
35 varieties for Michigan
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.
Brassicas
79 varieties for Michigan
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.
Corn
32 varieties for Michigan
Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.
Cucumbers
31 varieties for Michigan
Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.
Eggplants
29 varieties for Michigan
Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.
Flowers
523 varieties for Michigan
Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.
Fruit Trees
27 varieties for Michigan
Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.
Grasses & Bamboo
31 varieties for Michigan
Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.
Ground Covers
24 varieties for Michigan
Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.
Herbs
83 varieties for Michigan
Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.
Lettuce & Salad Greens
110 varieties for Michigan
Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.
Melons
38 varieties for Michigan
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.
Microgreens
57 varieties for Michigan
Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.
Native Wildflowers
88 varieties for Michigan
Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.
Nut Trees
23 varieties for Michigan
Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.
Ornamental Trees
34 varieties for Michigan
Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.
Peas
35 varieties for Michigan
Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.
Peppers
73 varieties for Michigan
Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.
Root Vegetables
56 varieties for Michigan
Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.
Roses
55 varieties for Michigan
Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.
Shade Trees
34 varieties for Michigan
Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.
Shrubs & Hedges
46 varieties for Michigan
Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
Squash & Cucumbers
60 varieties for Michigan
Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Tomatoes
90 varieties for Michigan
From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.
Tropical Plants
2 varieties for Michigan
Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.
Vines & Climbers
8 varieties for Michigan
Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.