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When to Plant Carrots in Oceana County, MI

Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.

Oceana County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 503 feet, Oceana County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.

Oceana County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Oceana County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Aug 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Aug 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 4

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 46 gal / 100 sq ft
Carrots needs ~1,015 GDD — county provides 2,102 GDD Excellent fit

Carrots Planting Timeline โ€” Oceana County, MI

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 22
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 โ€“ Aug 12
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Aug 7

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.8

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Oceana County

Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Dill
  • Parsnip

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Carrots Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd year flowers. Harvest umbels when brown.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial โ€” requires two seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Oceana County, MI?

Oceana County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Oceana County, MI?

Oceana County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Oceana County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Oceana County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.