Mecosta County, MI — Planting Guide
Mecosta County is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 885 ft, Mecosta County receives approximately 39.9 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 83°F with winter lows around 12°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 4
🍂 First Frost
October 10
📅 Growing Season
159 days
⛰️ Elevation
885 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
39.9 in
Mecosta County, MI
Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost
May 4
➔
159 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 10
Mecosta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 5b
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 4
First Frost: Oct 10
Soil & Growing Conditions in Mecosta County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (39.9 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
159-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 Mecosta County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mecosta County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Aug 24 – Oct 19 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 11 | — | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 21 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Aug 17 – Sep 21 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 17 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | May 18 – Jun 8 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 23 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 28 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Nov 28 – Feb 13 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 18 | — | Sep 21 – Nov 2 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 23 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Nov 2 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 5 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 14 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 11 | — | — | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Aug 3 – Oct 19 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 17 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | May 11 – Jun 8 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 10 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 23 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 5 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | May 18 – Jun 8 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Aug 3 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 16 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 11 | — | — | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 14 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 5 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 18 | — | Sep 7 – Nov 2 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 28 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 28 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | May 4 | Aug 1 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 11 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Mecosta County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mecosta County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 9 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 17 – Sep 28 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 25 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 25 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 9 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Mecosta County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mecosta County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jul 27 – Oct 12 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 16 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 26 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 16 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 26 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | Aug 1 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 16 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 11 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 26 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Mecosta County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Mecosta County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 16 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 5 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Oct 3 – Oct 24 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 6 | — | May 4 | — | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 2 | — | May 18 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 12 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 23 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 12 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 18 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 9 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 2 | — | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | May 4 | — | Jun 22 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 19 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 2 | May 18 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 2 | May 11 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Nov 9 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 6 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 12 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Jul 11 – Aug 1 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 2 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 2 | — | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 9 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 2 | Apr 6 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 8 – Aug 31 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 2 | May 18 | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 9 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 2 | May 18 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 9 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Nov 9 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 23 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 12 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 11 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 2 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 23 | — | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Nov 9 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Aug 8 – Sep 5 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 23 | — | May 18 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 9 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 19 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 6 | — | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 23 | — | May 25 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 26 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 23 | — | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Sep 7 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 2 | May 18 | May 18 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 23 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 5 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 23 | — | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 9 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 19 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 2 | May 18 | May 18 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 26 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 30 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 23 | — | May 18 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 9 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 2 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 19 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 2 | — | May 18 | — | Sep 14 – Nov 23 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 19 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | May 4 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 24 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 23 | Mar 30 | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 29 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 16 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 12 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Nov 9 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 6 | May 11 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 19 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Mecosta County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Mecosta County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Mecosta County, MI?
Mecosta 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 Mecosta County, MI?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Mecosta County falls around May 4. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Mecosta County, MI?
The median first fall frost in Mecosta County arrives around October 10. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Mecosta County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mecosta County (Zone 5b). 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