What to plant this week in Ann Arbor, MI
In Ann Arbor, the threat of hard freezes ending around April 21 means your soil is just beginning to warm up for serious planting. While many seeds wait another week or two, this is the prime window to push Daikon radishes and garlic into the ground for a late summer and early fall harvest.
The next 7 days
Ann Arbor, MIGrowing in Ann Arbor right now
- Ann Arbor's clay-heavy glacial till retains moisture well but drains slowly, so ensure raised beds are elevated if heavy rains are forecast before planting.
- The city's urban heat island effect can delay frost by a few days compared to rural western Michigan fields, allowing for slightly earlier seedling hardening off.
- Wind speeds often pick up in the spring here; use row covers or sturdy stakes immediately after transplanting garlic to prevent stem lodging.
- Soil temperatures near Lake St. Clair may be slightly warmer than surrounding counties, making it a safe bet to plant your radishes now rather than next week.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Apply fresh mulch now to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise.
- Test soil pH before adding any compost or amendments for new transplants.
- Keep a close eye on emerging seedlings to protect them from late spring fluctuations.
Pest & disease watch
- Spring slugs and snails are active in Ann Arbor's damp microclimates; apply iron phosphate baits around young garlic transplants.
- Watch for aphids clustering on the undersides of emerging lettuce or spinach leaves as temperatures rise above 45°F.
- Early spring fungal spores thrive in our humid pockets; keep foliage dry by watering at the base and avoiding overhead sprinklers.
Watering this week
Water deeply but less frequently now that the soil is warming up, encouraging strong root development.
Harvest Daikon Radish promptly before the heat sets in to ensure the best crunch and flavor.
Ann Arbor gardening questions
3When can I finally pull my winter cover crops?
With average last frost dates around April 21, you should wait a few more weeks before pulling peas or clover to ensure they aren't damaged by unexpected late chills common in our zone 6a weather.
Is it safe to plant garlic now in Ann Arbor soil?
Daikon radishes are also ready to sow this week as they germinate quickly and tolerate our early spring temperatures well.
How do I protect my new transplants from the April winds?
The prevailing northwesterly winds can snap young stems, so secure garlic cloves with short stakes or use floating row covers anchored tightly to the ground.
Other cities in zone 6a
12See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Ann Arbor garden in SproutGuide →