What to plant in November in Michigan
In Michigan (MI), November sits about 25 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).
1 crop has a sowing or planting window this month: garlic - and 1 of those windows close during November.
Dates here come from Michigan frost dates (last frost May 10, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, 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
Last chance in November
Garlic (plant in fall (after first frost), by Nov 2)
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from Michigan's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Plant in fall (after first frost) | Oct 16 – Nov 2 | Last chance - ends Nov 2 |
Harvesting in November
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
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.
Spring bulbs to plant in November in Michigan
Many Michigan nurseries recommend a cutoff of late October for getting bulbs into the ground, because planting recommendations depend mainly on soil temperature. For bulbs that miss it, MSU Extension suggests a sheltered spot, a thicker mulch, or refrigerator chilling (for most bulbs, 14-16 weeks below 45°F). (Michigan State University Extension) ↗
A planning month: November 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 - November 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 November?
1 crops have a window in November: garlic. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Michigan in November?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Oct 16 – Nov 2 in Michigan, so do it before November 2.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Michigan in November?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Michigan have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 15.
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 can I harvest in Michigan in November?
From plantings made on time: radicchio, parsley, green onion / scallion, endive & escarole, fava bean (broad bean).
When should I plant spring bulbs in Michigan?
Many Michigan nurseries recommend a cutoff of late October for getting bulbs into the ground, because planting recommendations depend mainly on soil temperature. For bulbs that miss it, MSU Extension suggests a sheltered spot, a thicker mulch, or refrigerator chilling (for most bulbs, 14-16 weeks below 45°F). (Michigan State University Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in November 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.