What to plant in September in Michigan
In Michigan (MI), September sits about 3 weeks before the average first fall frost (October 5). 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: radish - and 1 of those windows close during September.
Dates here come from Michigan frost dates (last frost May 10, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant radish, 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 September
Radish (sow for a fall crop, by Sep 7)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radish | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 21 – Sep 7 | Last chance - ends Sep 7 |
Harvesting in September
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 September 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) ↗
Fall garden season: September garden jobs in Michigan
- The average first frost is October 5, about 3 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: radish. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
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 September?
1 crops have a window in September: radish. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Michigan in September?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Michigan the next garlic window opens around October 16: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Michigan in September?
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 September?
From plantings made on time: chili pepper, watermelon, leek, winter squash, parsnip, salsify, pumpkin, rosemary, zucchini / summer squash, celery.
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 September 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.