What to plant in February in Michigan
In Michigan (MI), February sits about 12 weeks before the average last frost (May 10). The state averages 148 frost-free days a year (last frost May 10, first frost October 5; USDA zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b).
5 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from Michigan frost dates (last frost May 10, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant onion, tomato or lettuce in Michigan.
Michigan covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Michigan: planting activity through the year
Start seeds indoors in February (5)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
Planting dates for popular crops in Michigan
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Michigan: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
A planning month: February garden jobs in Michigan
- Order seed while stock is good. Michigan's average last frost is May 10, so the first indoor sowings begin around February 15 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - February is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Michigan
Michigan spans USDA zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Michigan in February?
5 crops have a window in February: celeriac, celery, leek, onion, rosemary. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Michigan in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Michigan the next tomato window opens around March 15: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Michigan in February?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Michigan the next lettuce window opens around April 5: start seeds indoors.
When is the first frost in Michigan?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 10. Michigan covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Michigan?
Celeriac (Feb 15 – Mar 1), Celery (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Leek (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Onion (Feb 22 – Mar 8), Rosemary (Feb 22 – Mar 8).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Michigan’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.