What to plant this week in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor gardeners are in full swing as the threat of a late spring frost has largely passed, allowing you to plant warm-weather crops like bush beans and zucchini right now. With average last frosts around April 21, this week marks the ideal time to sow those seeds directly into our clay-loam soil while harvesting your first summer tomatoes and peppers.
The next 7 days
Ann Arbor, MIGrowing in Ann Arbor right now
- Our local clay-loam soil retains moisture well but requires careful watering during our predictable late spring rainstorms to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas near the river.
- Take advantage of Ann Arbor's tree-lined streets by placing tall crops like sunflowers or corn behind mature trees to utilize their windbreak effect without blocking light to smaller plants.
- While we don't transplant much this week, ensure your existing greenhouse tomatoes are hardened off carefully before our typical May temperature swings can shock them.
- Watch for the rapid onset of heat after our spring showers; okra and yellow summer squash thrive in these warm bursts but need consistent moisture.
Sow this week
7 crops- Bush Bean
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
58 crops- Anaheim (New Mexico) Pepper
- Banana Pepper
- Basil
- Beefsteak Tomato
- Beet
- Bell Pepper
- Borage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Carrot
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Eggplant
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Geranium (Zonal)
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Honeydew Melon
- Jalapeño
- Lantana
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Marconi Pepper
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsley
- Parsnip
- Petunia
- Poblano Pepper
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Roma Tomato
- Rutabaga
- Scallion (Bunching Onion)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Serrano Pepper
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Snapdragon
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Tomatillo
- Tomato
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout summer.
- Mulch around established tomato and pepper plants to retain moisture as soil temperatures rise.
- Prune dead or diseased foliage from Brassicas like Brussels Sprouts and Kale to improve air circulation.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites may appear on basil and peppers as humidity fluctuates between our rainy spells and dry, windy days common in late April.
- Slugs are active now in the damp clay soil near the river valley, so protect your newly sown nasturtiums and bush beans with organic barriers.
- Watch for early aphid colonies forming on the undersides of fennel and parsley leaves as temperatures stabilize above 50°F.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to encourage strong root growth while minimizing fungal disease risk.
Pinch back the tips of young Bush Bean plants if they are leggy to encourage bushier, more productive growth.
Ann Arbor gardening questions
3Can I plant my okra and yellow summer squash seeds directly into the ground this week?
Yes, Ann Arbor's soil has warmed enough to handle these warm-weather crops immediately after a light rain, so you can sow them right now without waiting for transplanting.
My tomato plants are growing fast; do I need to stake them or wait until they fruit?
It is best to install sturdy cages or stakes at the base of your beefsteak and Roma tomatoes immediately while they are still young to prevent breakage from our local clay soil settling under heavy fruit.
I see spider mites on my basil; what is the quickest organic fix for Ann Arbor's climate?
A strong spray of water often dislodges these pests effectively, but if numbers persist, mix one quart of water with two teaspoons of mild liquid soap and apply it to the undersides of the leaves.
Other cities in zone 6a
12See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Ann Arbor garden in SproutGuide →