When to Plant Garlic in Wexford County, MI
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Wexford County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,167 feet, Wexford County receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Wexford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Garlic Planting Timeline — Wexford County, MI
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
140 days
Growing Tips for Wexford County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Wexford County, MI?
Wexford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wexford County, MI?
Wexford County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wexford County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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