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When to Plant Scallions in Van Buren County, MI

Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.

Van Buren County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.

At an elevation of 549 feet, Van Buren County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Van Buren County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
171 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
171 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Van Buren County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Jul 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (79 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Aug 11

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 487 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~915 GDD — county provides 2,607 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Van Buren County, MI

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ May 6
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 โ€“ Aug 22
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Jul 22

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" 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 Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

171 days

Growing Tips for Van Buren County

Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scallions in Van Buren County, MI?

Van Buren County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Van Buren County, MI?

Van Buren County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Van Buren County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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