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When to plant Broccoli in Newaygo County, MI

Broccoli planted in Newaygo County between May 2 and May 23 matures in 60–90 days — well before the October 5 first frost. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Broccoli in Newaygo County, MI

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Newaygo County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 592 feet, Newaygo County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.

Newaygo County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 16
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Newaygo County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Newaygo County's 142-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Newaygo County, MI

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 – May 23
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 29
Fall Sowing July 27 Jul 27 – Aug 10

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Newaygo County

Growing Tips for Newaygo County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Newaygo County, MI?

Newaygo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newaygo County, MI?

Newaygo County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is October 5.

When should I plant Broccoli in Newaygo County, MI?

In Newaygo County, MI, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 16) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Newaygo County, MI for Broccoli?

Newaygo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Broccoli grow in Newaygo County's climate?

Yes — Broccoli grows well in Newaygo County's temperate climate. Newaygo County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 16 and first frost around October 5.

🌱

Your Newaygo County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Newaygo 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Newaygo County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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