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Plant Hardiness Zones
           If you are planning for perennial crops, check the map below to find the hardiness zone for your area.  The map is the recently updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map for Michigan.  Click on this link to see a larger, interactive version for the entire state of Michigan. 

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When to Plant in the Garden 
           After gardening and farming for more than 20 years in Wexford County, Theresa Williams has gained experience as to what to plant when.  Here are the seed starting dates and outdoor planting dates she recommends for the most popular crops in our area.  Be forewarned that these are averages – Wexford County in the last 10 years has experienced frost as late as July 2, and as early as August 18!  If you can add one layer of protection, such as floating row cover or a cut-off milk jug, these dates can be moved back two weeks.  

Those crops with ** after them can be sown at weekly or bi-weekly intervals for continued harvests.


April 13 - average low is 30°F
These crops can all handle temperatures as low as 22°F without protection. 
                Seeds                                    
                Spinach**    (actually does best planted in early September and over-wintered for a spring harvest)                       
                Radish**


April 27 - average low is 35°F
These crops can handle a frost, although if temperatures fall below 25°F, they would benefit from some protection.
                Seeds                                    Plants
                Carrots**                                Bulb Onions 
                Dill                                             Leeks
                Green Onions**              
                Lettuce**
                Parsnips               
                Peas**


May 12 - average low is 40°F
All of these crops have at least a small amount of frost hardiness, and can withstand occasional dips down to 30°F

                Seeds                                    Plants
                Beets **                                   Broccoli**
                Kohlrabi**                             Brussels Sprouts
                Potatoes                                 Cabbage**
                Salad Greens**                    Cauliflower**
                                                                   Parsley


May 28 - average low is 45°F
All of these crops are frost tender, and must be protected if temperatures fall below 32°F  
                Seeds                                    Plants
                Beans**                                    Basil       
                Corn**                                     Celery
                Cucumbers**                        Cilantro
                Pumpkins                               Peppers
                Summer Squash                   Tomatoes
                                                                    Winter Squash
                                               

June 10 - average low is 50°F 
The seeds listed are for fall harvest.  The plants listed all do best when the temperatures are warm and have settled.   

                Seeds                        Plants
               Broccoli                               Eggplant
               Cabbage                               Melons
               Cauliflower                         Okra
               Kale                                       Watermelon


September 14 - average low is 45°F
               Spinach


October 2 - average low is 40°F
              Garlic

When to Start Seedlings Indoors
          If you would like to start your own seedlings, the dates listed below will work well for Wexford County.  All of the dates listed assume that the seedlings will be planted out in the open.  If you can provide a layer of shelter, such as floating row cover or a cut-off milk jug, you can move these dates up two weeks.

February 18
Bulb Onions
Leeks
Parsley

March 3
Celery

March 24
Lettuce**

March 31
Peppers

April 14
Tomatoes
Eggplant


April 21
Broccoli**
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage**
Cauliflower**


April 28
Basil**
Cilantro**

May 12
Okra
Winter Squash

May 19
Melons
Watermelons
7192 E. 34 Rd., Cadillac, Michigan  49601. Telephone: (231) 775-7681, ext. 3