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Grand Rapids, MI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Grand Rapids usually comes around Apr 29 and the first fall frost around Oct 26, a growing season of about 180 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 and plant them outside May 13 – May 27.

Last spring frostApr 29
First fall frostOct 26
Growing season180 days

When to plant vegetables in Grand Rapids

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 18 – Apr 1May 13 – May 27—
PeppersMar 11 – Mar 25May 20 – Jun 3—
EggplantMar 11 – Mar 25May 20 – Jun 3—
Cucumbers—May 13 – May 27—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 13 – May 27—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 20 – Jun 3—
Green beans—May 13 – May 27Aug 3 – Aug 17
Sweet corn—May 13 – May 27—
BasilApr 1 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27—
LettuceMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 1 – May 13Aug 31 – Sep 14
Spinach—Mar 18 – Apr 8Aug 31 – Sep 14
Peas—Mar 18 – Apr 8Aug 17 – Aug 31
Carrots—Apr 1 – May 6Aug 3 – Aug 17
Radishes—Mar 25 – May 13Sep 14 – Sep 28
BroccoliFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 1 – Apr 15Aug 3 – Aug 17
KaleMar 4 – Mar 18Mar 25 – Apr 8Aug 17 – Aug 31
Onions—Apr 1 – Apr 15—
Potatoes—Apr 8 – May 6—
Garlic——Oct 12 – Nov 16

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Grand Rapids. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Grand Rapids

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Grand Rapids?

The median last spring frost is Apr 29 and the median first fall frost is Oct 26, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Grand Rapids?

Start seeds indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 and set plants outside May 13 – May 27, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Grand Rapids?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 26): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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