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.

What to plant now in Detroit

Spring: Cold-hardy crops in April; warm-season after April 26 last frost.
Summer: Full warm-season garden. Lakes moderate heat somewhat.
Fall: Broccoli, kale, lettuce, and carrots for October harvest.
Winter: Garlic planted in fall. Indoor seed starting in late March.

In Detroit (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Detroit

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Plan garden layout.
February	Start onion seeds indoors.
March	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors (8–10 weeks before May 4).
April	Direct sow peas and spinach. Transplant cold-hardy seedlings.
May	After April 26 — transplant all warm-season crops.
June	Full summer garden growing.
July	Harvest summer crops. Start fall seedlings.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and lettuce.
September	Fall planting continues. First cool nights.
October	First frost mid-October. Plant garlic. Harvest tender crops.
November	Cold-hardy greens with protection.
December	Rest season. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Detroit ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
48228	April 26	October 17	6b
48221	April 26	October 17	6b
48238	April 26	October 17	6b
48226	April 26	October 17	6b

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.