Don’t Plant Too Early! The Best Time to Start Your Michigan Yard This Spring

As a new homeowner, I’m quickly learning that spring in Michigan isn’t just about enjoying the return of warmer weather, it’s also the perfect time to get my yard in shape so I can enjoy it all summer long.

I’ll be honest, as a first time home owner figuring out when to plant things so they don’t die in the cold can feel like a bit of a puzzle. If you’re like me and want your lawn, flowers, and veggie garden to thrive this year, here’s what experts say are the best times to plant in here Michigan.

Planting new grass? Get started in late April

While fall is actually the best time to plant grass seed in Michigan, you can still work on your yard in the spring, especially if your lawn needs some patching up.

Late April to mid-June is the ideal window to put down your grass seed, because that’s when you’ll have enough warmth to germinate while avoiding the summer heat that can dry it out. Just be ready to water regularly if you do plant the spring, because they’ll need the extra help.

Looking to add some flowers? Timing is everything

If you’re eager to add some color to your yard, April is when you can start with cold-hardy flowers like pansies and violas. These can handle cooler temps and even the occasional frost.

By May, when things warm up and beach season is upon us, it’s safe to plant tender annuals like petunias and marigolds, as well as perennials like coneflowers and asters for some long-term beauty around your yard.

I love the idea of growing my own veggies to enjoy in a summer dish, and the good news is that Michigan’s growing season allows for a variety of crops.

In early April, you can start with cool-season veggies like lettuce, peas, and carrots. But if you’re dreaming of homegrown tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, hold off until mid-May when the risk of frost is long gone. If you can’t stand the wait, make sure you have bed sheets to cover your plants so they stay safe on cooler overnights.

Good luck with your green thumb this spring, and with the right timing you could have a lush beautiful yard in time for the best time of year in Michigan.