Fall Crops Michigan

Fall Growing in

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Growing Cabbage in Michigan:

Choose the Right Variety: Select cabbage varieties suited to Michigan's climate, such as Early Jersey Wakefield, Copenhagen Market, or Red Express.
Timing: Plant cabbage in spring and fall. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for spring planting, and in late June to early July for fall planting.
Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Add compost to enhance soil structure and nutrients, tilling to at least 12 inches deep.
Planting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they're 4-6 inches tall and have a few true leaves. Space them 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Sunlight: Cabbage requires full sun, at least 6 hours per day.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during early growth. Water at the base to prevent leaf wetting, which can lead to disease.
Mulching: Apply mulch around cabbage to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer before planting and side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after planting.

Choose the Right Variety: Opt for spinach varieties suited to cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, such as 'Bloomsdale,' 'Tyee,' or 'Space.'
Timing: Spinach is a cold-weather crop. Plant in early April for spring or in late August for a fall crop.
Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, incorporating compost for fertility.
Planting: Directly sow spinach seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, spacing them 2-4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
Sunlight: Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging.
Thinning: Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they grow a few inches tall.
Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain cooler soil temperature.
Fertilization: Use compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting, and side-dress with compost or light fertilizer as the plants grow.

Choose the Right Variety: Select lettuce types suitable for Michigan's climate, including 'Bibb,' 'Butterhead,' 'Romaine,' and 'Red Leaf.'
Timing: Lettuce thrives in cooler temperatures. Plant in early spring and late summer for a fall crop.
Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil with organic matter and a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Planting: Sow lettuce seeds directly, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, and space them according to variety.
Sunlight: Lettuce prefers partial shade, especially as temperatures rise.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, watering in the morning to allow leaves to dry during the day.
Thinning: Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they grow a few inches tall.
Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization: Use compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting, and side-dress with compost or light fertilizer as needed.

Choose the Right Variety: Select collard green varieties suited to cooler climates, such as 'Georgia Southern' or 'Champion.'
Timing: Plant collards in both spring and fall. Start seeds indoors for spring planting or sow seeds directly for fall crops.
Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil with organic matter and a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Planting: Transplant seedlings when they are a few inches tall, spacing them 18-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Sunlight: Collard greens need full sun, at least 6 hours per day.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.
Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature.
Fertilization: Use compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting, and side-dress with compost or light fertilizer as needed.