When to plant Onion in Ingham County, MI
For Ingham County, gardeners: plant Onion April 18 through May 9 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Onion in Ingham County, MI
Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 554 feet, Ingham County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Onion to ensure they mature before fall.
Ingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Onion Planting Timeline — Ingham County, MI
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Sep 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Ingham County
Growing Tips for Ingham County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Onion in Ingham County, MI?
In Ingham County, MI, plant Onion after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ingham County, MI for Onion?
Ingham County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Onion grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Onion grow in Ingham County's climate?
Yes — Onion grows well in Ingham County's temperate climate. Ingham County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 13.
Your Ingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ingham County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.