Mason County, MI — Planting Guide
Mason County is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 1,318 ft, Mason County receives approximately 34.4 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 85°F with winter lows around 13°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 32 days year to year — ranging from April 27 in warm years to May 29 in cold years. The growing season is trending longer by about 1.89 days per decade. Mason County scores 64/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 15
🍂 First Frost
October 7
📅 Growing Season
145 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,318 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
34.4 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 | 1.3 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.7 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.5 in | 10 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.1 in | 10 days | 1.2 in | Moderate |
| May | 3.3 in | 10 days | 1 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 4.5 in | 11 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 4.1 in | 8 days | 0.2 in | Low |
| Aug | 3.9 in | 8 days | 0.4 in | Low |
| Sep | 3.3 in | 8 days | 1 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 2.9 in | 7 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2.1 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.7 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 34.4 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.
Mason County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 29 | Oct 23 | 147 days |
| Cautious | May 20 | Oct 13 | 146 days |
| Average year | May 15 | Oct 7 | 145 days |
| Optimistic | May 8 | Oct 1 | 146 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 27 | Sep 21 | 147 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±32 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 1.9 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Mason County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Mason 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 Mason County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Mason 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 Mason County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Mason County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Mason 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 Mason County MI" or "garden center Mason 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 Mason County MI" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Mason 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
9.9 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 | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 4.7 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.2 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.6 hr | 8.7 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.3 hr | 9.9 hr | Long day |
| July | 15 hr | 9.7 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.8 hr | 8.7 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 6.8 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.4 hr | 3.9 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.7 hr | 3.5 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 | 21°F | 31°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 24°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 31°F | 35°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 44°F | 43°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 55°F | 53°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 69°F | 64°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 77°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 78°F | 71°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 71°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 58°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 40°F | 47°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Dec | 28°F | 37°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 Mason 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 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Slugs | Low | Apr, May, Jun |
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 Mason 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 2 | Apr 24 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 23 | May 1 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 16 | Apr 24 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 1 | Apr 24 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 8 | Apr 24 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 2 | May 1 | — | 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 21 | Aug 5 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 18 | Aug 5 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 15 | Aug 5 | ✓ 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 | Jun 8 | Sep 16 | — | 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: 12 mph Summer: 10 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
7.2/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (291 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
17,144 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
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
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 34.4 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 17,144 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 Mason County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH 6–7.3 · Well Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 3.5/10
Low-to-moderate drought stress. Plan to water 1–2 times per week during peak summer. (34.4 in. annual rainfall)
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 Mason County
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mason County.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 16 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 1 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Sep 4 – Oct 30 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | May 1 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 28 – Oct 2 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | May 29 – Jun 19 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 17 – Aug 14 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 1 | — | Oct 2 – Oct 16 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 1 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 29 | Oct 2 – Nov 13 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 7 – Nov 13 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Sep 11 – Oct 16 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Oct 30 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 1 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 25 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 17 – Aug 14 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 7 – Oct 16 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 16 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 1 | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 1 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 1 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 25 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 27 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 29 | Sep 18 – Nov 13 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 16 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 1 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 15 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 16 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 20 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 10 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Mason County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mason County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Nov 20 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 5 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 5 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 5 | Aug 28 – Oct 9 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 5 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Nov 20 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Mason County
37 herbs that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mason County.
Show all 37 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Aug 7 – Oct 23 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 27 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Nov 6 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Aug 21 – Oct 23 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 22 | Sep 25 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Mar 27 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Nov 6 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 22 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Nov 6 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 22 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 10 | May 1 | May 8 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 27 | May 22 | May 29 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 22 | Sep 25 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 22 | Aug 21 – Nov 6 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Mason County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Mason County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Mason County, MI?
Mason County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. 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 Mason County, MI?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Mason County falls around May 15. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 27 and May 29 — a 32-day window of variability. Use May 29 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Mason County, MI?
The median first fall frost in Mason County arrives around October 7. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 21; 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 Mason County?
Mason 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 1.89 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Mason County for gardening?
Mason County has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 6–7.3 and Well Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Mason County?
Mason County has commercial agriculture that includes Soybeans, Corn, Dairy, Hay, Sweet Corn. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Mason County a good location for home gardening?
Mason County scores 64/100 (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 Mason County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.
