Garden Plants in Michigan

Herbs

• Basil, dill, thyme, cilantro, chervil, chives, sage, rosemary, lavender and oregano are culinary and medicinal herbs cultivated in Michigan gardens. The herbs are planted as annuals or tender perennials. Michigan is comprised of several U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones, from 3a through 5b. Contact your local county extension agent if unsure of your zone or whether a particular plant will grow well in your location. Select a well-drained spot in the garden with full sun. Provide nutrient rich soil. An addition of well-aged herbivore manure (cow, sheep, goat, horse, lama) is beneficial.

Vegetables

• Squash and pumpkins, members of the cucurbit botanical family, are warm-season crops that flourish in Michigan. The majority of squash and pumpkin production is located in the Lower Peninsula of the state. The shorter growing season and cold winds from the Great Lakes of the Upper Peninsula, limit cultivation of garden plants that require more than a 90-120 day growing season. Many different vegetables can be cultivated throughout the state. Carrots, cucumbers, radishes, beets, beans, turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, peas, peppers, potatoes, onions, garlic, asparagus, celery, corn, cabbage and cauliflower thrive in the fertile glacial soil. Prepare soil for planting as early in the spring as possible. Seeds can be started indoors or in a cold frame. Unexpected late frosts frequently occur in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Protect tender young seedlings from potential frost damage.

Fruit Trees

• Apples, plums, apricots, peaches, cherries and pears can be found growing in Michigan home orchards or gardens. Holstein, Melrose, McIntosh, orange pippen, northern spy and summer rambo are commonly cultivated apple varieties. Michigan Montmorency tart cherries are valued for their distinctive flavor and firm meaty texture in pies, tarts, jellies, juices and jam.

Brambles, Berries And More

• Raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes and blueberries are cultivated in Michigan gardens. Heritage, borne and latham varieties are hardy varieties that do well through the cold winters of Michigan. Michigan gardeners plant the hybrid "Black Satin" thornless blackberries. Black satin in a heavy producer that withstands Michigan's extreme temperature variations. These fruits require nutrient rich, well drained soil and lots of sunshine. Berry patches should be fenced to prevent deer from browsing on new vegetation and berries. Rhubarb is a hardy perennial grown in Michigan gardens for use in pies, cobblers, jellies, sauces and jams. Michigan is ideal for cultivating rhubarb because it requires periods of cold temperatures below 40 degrees F, nutrient-rich soil and plenty of water and sunshine. Rhubarb grows well in all areas of the state. Varieties that grow well include Canadian red, Valentine and McDonald. Harvest tender, sweet rhubarb from May through June. Garden grape arbors frequently are found in Michigan landscapes. Both table and wine grapes are cultivated. Concord, Lambrusco and Cayuga White grapes do well in the Lower Peninsula.

Flowers

• Spring bulbs including daffodils, tulips, crocus, jonquils and hyacinths offer the first color of the season. Hardy, cold-tolerant perennials are the backbone of many Michigan gardens. Roses, iris, day lilies, lily-of-the-valley, cosmos, columbine, daisies, lupine, peonies and bleeding heart return every year. Perennials multiply readily, naturalizing to form clumps that can be divided and replanted. Gardens are supplemented with plantings of biennials and annuals including foxglove, hostas, sunflowers, nasturtium, petunia and marigolds.