When To Set Your Plants Outside This Spring In Michigan

The best part of Spring is that going outside doesn't feel like doom and gloom. Gone are the constant gray clouds. Leafless trees are now full of blossoming buds, the smell of fresh cut grass fills the air, and nothing is better than waking up to bird song. No, I do not mind sounding corny: I simply love spring.

The other best part of spring is having your produce or plants able to be moved outside to soak in the sunlight like a normal day, but that poses a difficult question: what is considered too early to move your plants out?

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April Showers Bring May Flowers

Even though we have days in April when you put your shorts on, that doesn't mean your plants are ready to stay outside. You don't want to put them out too early, or you risk the plants freezing. April has an average temperature of 48°F, with a chill of 39°F at night. That's cutting it too close for comfort, especially since there are plenty of nights/mornings below 32°F. That's cold enough to freeze the water inside your plant, killing it.

When To Move Your Plants Outside

I grew up on a farm, and my momma always said that the "old farmer's code" is you're "safe from frost after Memorial Day Weekend." Memorial Day has always served as the unofficial start of summer, with the "warm season" in Michigan running from May 25th to September 18. 

READ MORE: April Showers in Michigan: Fact or Fiction? |

By Memorial Day, Michigan averages highs of 72°F and lows of 51°F, a very safe temp to keep your plants outside. Plus, outdoor swimming pools tend to open around Memorial Day, and if it's warm enough to go swimming, your plants can be outside too.