Blog

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Monroe County, MI

Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.

Monroe County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 1,202 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.

Monroe County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Brussels Sprouts Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 3.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline โ€” Monroe County, MI

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ May 4
Harvest July 27 Jul 27 โ€“ Sep 21
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 โ€“ Aug 22

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“130 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

173 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe County

Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before first fall frost. Stake tall plants to prevent toppling. Remove lower leaves as sprouts develop to improve air circulation.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Monroe County, MI?

Monroe County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, MI?

Monroe County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monroe County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.