Mackinac County, MI — Planting Guide
Mackinac County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,335 ft, Mackinac County receives approximately 35.1 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 80°F with winter lows around 6°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 12
🍂 First Frost
October 10
📅 Growing Season
151 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,335 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
35.1 in
Mackinac County, MI
Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost
May 12
➔
151 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 10
Mackinac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 5a
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 12
First Frost: Oct 10
Soil & Growing Conditions in Mackinac County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (35.1 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
151-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.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Soil Test Kit
$12-25
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Digital pH Meter
$10-20
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Organic Compost
$8-30
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Mackinac County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Mackinac County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Aug 25 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | May 26 – Jun 16 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 6 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Nov 28 – Feb 13 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 26 | — | Sep 29 – Nov 10 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Sep 8 – Oct 13 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | May 19 – Jun 16 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 18 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 13 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | May 26 – Jun 16 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 26 | — | Sep 15 – Nov 10 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Mackinac County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Mackinac County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Sep 1 – Nov 17 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 6 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Sep 1 – Nov 17 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Mackinac County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Mackinac County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 3 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Aug 18 – Oct 20 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 3 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 1 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 19 | — | Sep 22 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Mackinac County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Mackinac County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 6 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Oct 3 – Oct 31 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 14 | — | May 12 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 13 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 12 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 22 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 7 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Jul 11 – Aug 1 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 3 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 28 | — | Jun 16 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 10 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 17 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 3 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Aug 8 – Sep 5 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 17 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Mar 3 | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 27 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 3 | — | May 5 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 31 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 6 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 20 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Mar 3 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 17 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 7 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 13 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 10 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Sep 22 – Nov 24 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 3 | Apr 28 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 21 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 12 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 1 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 31 | Apr 7 | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 24 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Mackinac County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Mackinac County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Mackinac County, MI?
Mackinac 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 Mackinac County, MI?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Mackinac County falls around May 12. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Mackinac County, MI?
The median first fall frost in Mackinac County arrives around October 10. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Mackinac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mackinac 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.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
$27
$293 value
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
$27
$157 value
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
$27
$210 value
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log