It should be noted that Michigan is a big state and unseasonable weather can affect when produce becomes available in Michigan, so take all of the following information with a grain of salt.
January
It’s no surprise that not a whole lot grows in Michigan during the winter months. Mushrooms and various sprouts can be grown field fresh. Other Michigan produce that can be stored and then sold in January includes apples, onions, turnips, pears, squash, leeks, brussel sprouts, carrots, garlic and potatoes.
February
Like January, Michigan apples, potatoes and pears can be bought in markets as they can be stored during the winter season. Mushrooms and various sprouts can also be bought fresh.
March
Similar to February, it is typically too cold in Michigan for any fresh produce to grow in Michigan. Michigan produce that stores well that can be bought in March includes apples, pears, turnips, and sweet potatoes. March is typically the last month where produce in storage can be bought from the previous growing season.
April
Finally, fresh produce can be bought in Michigan during the month of April. However it is still quite limited, and fewer storage produce is available from the previous season. While parsnips can be stored throughout the winter, they can now be bought fresh. Radishes also become available, however typically towards the end of April.
May
Things start to pick up in the month of May. Michigan asparagus, chives and arugula can now be bought fresh, but the season for these crops is relatively short so now is the time to buy it. Lettuce, radishes, salad greens, spinach, mint, and oregano becomes available in Michigan in the month of May and most of those crops can be grown throughout the summer months. If you like rhubarb, the month of May is the only month of the year to buy it fresh.
June
Both asparagus and arugula season in Michigan typically ends during the month of June, so it is good to buy it now when it is still fresh and local. Strawberries have a short growing season in Michigan, and are typically only available during the end of June and beginning of July. Cherries on occasion can be found towards the end of June, but are typically not available until mid-July. Beets, broccoli, kohlrabi, spring onions, green onions, peas, kale, parsley, cilantro, dill, sage and thyme all become available starting in the month of June.
July
Michigan’s famous cherries are finally here! Traverse City’s famous cherry festival, which typically coincides with 4th of July festivities, celebrates the arrival of cherry season in Michigan. However, Michigan cherries are not always ripe and ready for early July. July is blueberry month in Michigan, however, you may not be able to find ripe blueberries until late July. Other Michigan fruits include peaches, raspberries, and apricots. Veggies that pop up in July are cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, peppers, squash, and rosemary all become available in the month of July. A large amount of other produce is readily available throughout the month of July, including beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, green onions, sprouts, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme, edamame, and radishes.
August
Much of Michigan’s extended growing season continues throughout the month of August. A lot of July produce can still be found in August. New to the scene includes Michigan nectarines, plums, watermelon, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Some but not all Michigan apples and pears can be found towards the end of August.
September
September is prime time for many Michigan apples and pears, however, they can also be found fresh in October. Arugula, peas and asian greens, which were available in early spring have their second growing season starting in the month of September. Pumpkins can be found towards the end of September, however, they are typically smaller pie pumpkins. September is the final month of availability for corn, cucumbers, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, and peaches.
Photo by Vlad K. on Unsplash
October
It’s brussel sprout season in October in Michigan, along with other fall produce. Many squashes are readily available including Michigan pumpkins. Various root vegetables including carrots, turnips, radishes and potatoes are still available throughout the month of October. October is the last month for a large amount of Michigan produce including arugula, eggplant, kale, lettuce, onions of all kinds, parsnips, peas, peppers, radishes, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, pears, and apples. October is the last month for any Michigan fruit.
November
Some Michigan produce is still fresh in the month of November, including brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, leeks, potatoes, pumpkins, rutabaga, spinach, and sweet potatoes. However, November is typically the last month of availability for any fresh produce listed above.
December
As winter arrives, very few fresh Michigan produce is available. However produce is available from storage, including garlic, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, leeks, onions, potatoes, squash, turnips, apples and pears.
