When to plant Broccoli in Baraga County, MI
Aim to plant Broccoli in Baraga County on or after May 5; the window stays open through May 26. Baraga County's 136-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 24 to August 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Baraga County, MI
August to-do list for Baraga County, Michigan
Your Baraga County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for August and why each task matters now.
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Collect broccoli at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Get ahead of September
- First harvests: broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 575 feet, Baraga County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Baraga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli 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.
Soil Compatibility in Baraga County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Baraga County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Broccoli will thrive.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 24.
Broccoli Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Baraga County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Baraga County, MI
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Baraga County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Baraga County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after May 19 in Baraga County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Baraga County, MI?
Baraga County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baraga County, MI?
Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Broccoli in Baraga County, MI?
In Baraga County, MI, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baraga County, MI for Broccoli?
Baraga County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in Baraga County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Baraga County's temperate climate. Baraga County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 2.
Your Baraga County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baraga County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.