What to plant this week in Grand Rapids, MI

• Grand Rapids sits on glacial till that often compacts easily; break up soil clumps now while the ground is still too cold or frozen to risk root disturbance.
• Expect intermittent snow showers throughout April even after the average frost date, so cover tender transplants with row covers if you rush an early start.
• The city's urban heat island effect may delay hard freezes slightly compared to rural Kent County, but do not rely on it for winterizing sensitive annuals until late spring.
• Plan your garlic harvest carefully; bulbs in our local zone 6a climate are typically lifted mid-October before the first frost arrives.

No direct sowing windows open this week.

Nothing is due to go out this week.

• Daikon Radish
• Garlic

• 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.

• Watch for emerging aphid colonies on early-transplanted kale and broccoli as temperatures climb above freezing during warm April days.
• Monitor soil for winter moles moving into active tunnels once thawed patches appear in sandy pockets common to our western suburbs.
• Check seedlings for cutworm damage if you attempt any late sowings, as damp spring soils invite these nocturnal feeders.

Water deeply but less frequently now that the soil is warming up, encouraging strong root development.

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