Lake County, MI — Planting Guide
Lake County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 ft, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 86°F with winter lows around 14°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 29 days year to year — ranging from April 27 in warm years to May 26 in cold years. The growing season is trending longer by about 1.03 days per decade. Lake County scores 67/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 14
🍂 First Frost
October 6
📅 Growing Season
145 days
⛰️ Elevation
733 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
33.6 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.5 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.1 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.7 in | 8 days | 0.6 in | Moderate |
| May | 4.3 in | 11 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 3.7 in | 8 days | 0.6 in | Moderate |
| Jul | 3.9 in | 8 days | 0.4 in | Low |
| Aug | 3.2 in | 7 days | 1.1 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 3.3 in | 7 days | 1 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 2.8 in | 7 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.6 in | 9 days | — | None |
Annual total: 33.6 in. Gardens typically need ~1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Months marked "None" for extra water are outside the active growing season for your zone — most gardens are dormant and don't need irrigation during those months.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 26 | Oct 23 | 150 days |
| Cautious | May 19 | Oct 12 | 146 days |
| Average year | May 14 | Oct 6 | 145 days |
| Optimistic | May 8 | Oct 1 | 146 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 27 | Sep 24 | 150 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±29 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 1 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Lake County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Lake County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Lake County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Lake County Michigan State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 517-355-0240
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Lake County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Lake County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Lake County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Lake County MI" or "garden center Lake County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Lake County MI" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Lake County Gardeners" or "Michigan Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
15.3 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.7 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.2 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.1 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 4.6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.2 hr | 7.1 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.6 hr | 8.2 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.3 hr | 9.1 hr | Long day |
| July | 15 hr | 10.2 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.8 hr | 8.2 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.4 hr | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.7 hr | 3.2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°F | 31°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 23°F | 31°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 30°F | 33°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 47°F | 43°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 60°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 67°F | 62°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 77°F | 70°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 77°F | 71°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 72°F | 68°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 58°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 41°F | 48°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 28°F | 39°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Lake County
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Low | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Lake County
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 12 | Apr 30 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 20 | Apr 30 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 31 | Apr 30 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 10 | Apr 30 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 17 | Apr 23 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 14 | Apr 30 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 24 | Jul 28 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 15 | Aug 4 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 14 | Jul 28 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 27 | Sep 8 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 13 mph Summer: 9 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
6.6/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (100 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
16,746 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,750 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 33.6 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 16,746 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Lake County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH 6.2–7.1 · Moderately Well Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 5.5/10
Moderate drought pressure. Drip irrigation and mulching are highly recommended to maintain soil moisture through summer.
Season Tips
145-day frost-free season
Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Lake County
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Lake County.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 28 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Sep 3 – Oct 29 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 8 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Aug 27 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | May 28 – Jun 18 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 16 – Aug 13 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 30 | — | Oct 1 – Oct 15 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 21 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 28 | Oct 1 – Nov 12 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 6 – Nov 12 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Sep 10 – Oct 15 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Sep 24 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 13 – Oct 29 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | May 21 – Jun 18 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Aug 20 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 16 – Aug 13 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 6 – Oct 15 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 30 | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 30 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 27 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 21 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Sep 24 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 28 | Sep 17 – Nov 12 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Lake County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Lake County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 4 | Sep 3 – Nov 19 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 4 | Aug 13 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 4 | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 4 | Aug 27 – Oct 8 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 4 | Sep 3 – Nov 19 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Lake County
37 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Lake County.
Show all 37 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 6 – Oct 22 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 21 | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 20 – Oct 22 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 21 | Sep 24 – Nov 5 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 21 | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 21 | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 21 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | May 21 | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 21 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 21 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 21 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 21 | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 21 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 21 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 21 | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 21 | Sep 24 – Nov 5 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 21 | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Lake County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Lake County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Lake County, MI?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Lake County falls around May 14. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 27 and May 26 — a 29-day window of variability. Use May 26 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Lake County, MI?
The median first fall frost in Lake County arrives around October 6. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 24; in mild years as late as October 23. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Lake County?
Lake County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 145 days. Focus on short-season varieties and start warm-season crops indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Climate records show the growing season is trending longer by about 1.03 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Lake County for gardening?
Lake County has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 6.2–7.1 and Moderately Well Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Lake County?
Lake County has commercial agriculture that includes Corn, Soybeans, Hay. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Lake County a good location for home gardening?
Lake County scores 67/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Conditions here are moderate — most common crops grow well with standard timing and care.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 5a 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.
