Monroe County, MI — Planting Guide
Monroe County is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,202 ft, Monroe County receives approximately 40.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 89°F with winter lows around 20°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
6b (-5°F to 0°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 27
🍂 First Frost
October 17
📅 Growing Season
173 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,202 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
40.6 in
Monroe County, MI
Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost
April 27
➔
173 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 17
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 6b
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 27
First Frost: Oct 17
Soil & Growing Conditions in Monroe County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (40.6 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
173-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 Monroe County
107 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 107 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 4 | — | — | Aug 3 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | May 11 – Jun 1 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Sep 14 – Oct 26 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 16 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Dec 5 – Mar 20 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 4 | — | — | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 11 | — | Sep 14 – Nov 23 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 16 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 26 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 28 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 7 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 4 | — | — | Aug 3 – Sep 7 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 27 – Oct 12 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 10 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 24 – Oct 26 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 26 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 7 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | May 4 – Jun 1 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Jun 29 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 3 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 16 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 28 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | May 11 – Jun 1 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 9 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 7 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 11 | — | Aug 31 – Oct 26 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 4 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 13 | — | Aug 8 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Aug 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 7 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 4 | — | — | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 28 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 2 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Monroe County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 30 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 18 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 21 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 18 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 21 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 18 | — | Aug 17 – Nov 30 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Monroe County
35 herbs that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 35 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jul 20 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 9 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 4 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 15 – Aug 3 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 9 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 4 | — | Aug 3 – Oct 19 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 24 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Aug 8 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 9 | May 4 | May 11 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 14 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 4 | — | Sep 7 – Nov 16 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Monroe County
53 flowers that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 9 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Oct 5 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Oct 3 – Oct 31 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Mar 30 | — | Apr 27 | — | May 25 – Jun 22 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 23 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 16 | Mar 30 | Apr 27 | Sep 5 | Jun 29 – Sep 21 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 16 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 19 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 23 | Apr 27 | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Nov 9 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 23 | — | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 16 | Mar 30 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 15 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | Mar 30 | — | — | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 26 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 23 | Apr 27 | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Nov 9 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 30 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Nov 9 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 23 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Nov 9 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 2 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | — | May 25 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Nov 9 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 9 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Nov 16 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 16 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 19 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 13 – Nov 2 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 16 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 20 – Nov 9 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 5 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 16 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 26 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 2 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 26 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 27 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 30 | — | — | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 16 | — | May 11 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 19 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 23 | — | Apr 13 | — | Jun 8 – Aug 31 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 16 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Sep 28 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Oct 19 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 16 | — | Apr 27 | Aug 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 4 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 10 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 2 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 5 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 23 | May 4 | May 4 | — | Jun 22 – Oct 12 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | Mar 16 | — | Apr 27 | — | Jun 1 – Jun 29 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Feb 16 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Nov 9 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 23 | — | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 23 | — | May 4 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 16 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 16 | Apr 6 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 21 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 6 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 19 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 16 | Apr 6 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 8 – Aug 24 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 16 | Mar 23 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 21 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 12 | Aug 22 – Sep 19 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 16 | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 23 | Apr 27 | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Nov 9 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 12 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Monroe County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Monroe County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Monroe County, MI?
Monroe County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. 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 Monroe County, MI?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Monroe County falls around April 27. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Monroe County, MI?
The median first fall frost in Monroe County arrives around October 17. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 6b). 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