Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Howard city, MI, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 5b.
On this page:
Howard city, MI Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Howard city, MI
The average last frost date in spring for Howard city is May 12th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 26th before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for Howard city, MI
The average first frost date in fall for Howard city is October 5th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in Howard city, MI
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Howard city is approximately 146 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
Howard city, MI Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Howard city, MI Monthly Planting Recommendations
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Sage seeds indoors (from March 31st to April 14th), starting Oregano seeds indoors (from March 17th to March 31st), and starting Leek seeds indoors (from March 3rd to March 17th).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Parsley (from April 14th to April 28th), direct sowing Alfalfa (from April 14th to April 28th), and direct sowing Lentil (from April 28th to May 12th).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Sunflower (from May 19th to June 2nd), direct sowing Nasturtium (from May 19th to May 26th), and direct sowing Cosmos (from May 19th to May 26th).