Forecasted temperatures give a green light for planting

Heidi Lindberg, Michigan State University Extension - May 20, 2021

Many locations in Michigan saw multiple freeze and frost events, but forecasted milder low temperatures will allow gardeners to plant tender plants. Locations that have not passed their frost-free dates should keep an eye on the low temperatures.

Growing degree days in Michigan. — Figure 1. The growing degree days (GDD) base 50 degrees Fahrenheit as of May 16, 2021 (left) versus the average GDD since 1981.

Spring came early to much of Michigan. As of April 1, 2021, the growing degree days (GDD) accumulation was 14 days ahead in majority of the state of Michigan. GDD is a temperature-derived index that is calculated based on the amount of heat accumulated above a base threshold temperature such as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and is strongly related to the rate of plant growth and development. The heat map of Michigan represents GDD between 0 and 338 GDD (Figure 1). The warmer the color, the more heat has accumulated in the area.

During the first two weeks of May, cooler than normal temperatures brought us closer to average totals of heat accumulation for this time of year (Figure 2). Much of the Lower Peninsula is approximately average with only the immediate lake shore remaining 14 days ahead of normal.

Heat accumulation map. — Figure 2. The heat accumulation as of May 16, 2021, is close to normal in majority of the state of Michigan.

With the early onset of spring and people still traveling less than normal, consumers are out buying plants to enhance their landscapes. Mother’s Day was May 9 and is traditionally a huge weekend for plant retailers. This past week, which followed Mother’s Day, was uncooperative for Michigan gardeners as many areas of the state observed many freeze and frost events (Table 1).

Table 1. The observed low temperatures at select Michigan locations by Michigan Enviroweather stations during the week of May 10, 2021.
	Low temperatures recorded by Enviroweather stations throughout Michigan
	Hudsonville	Commerce Township	Benton Harbor	Elk Rapids	Petoskey	Escanaba
May 10	35.1	31.4	34.5	35.9	35	29.1
May 11	28	32.9	30.5	35.2	35.7	32.2
May 12	27.7	35.7	30.6	27.7	28.1	36.9
May 13	28.6	33.2	29.8	28.7	29	32.4
May 14	32.5	35.7	32	38.6	33.8	38
May 15	40.3	38.5	43.8	41.5	36.5	36
May 16	50.4	48.8	51.7	45.2	44.5	44.6

These freezing temperatures killed the newly emerged foliage of many perennials such as hostas (Photo 1).

Freeze damage on hosta. — Photo 1. Freeze damage to tender new foliage of hosta. Photo by Heidi Lindberg, MSU Extension.

However, plants such as hostas will send up new foliage from the base and will likely reemerge for the year. If gardeners did not protect their cold-sensitive annuals, they may have endured frost or freezing injury.

Luckily for Michigan gardeners, the weather is changing and the low temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-40s through the mid-60s through the state in the next seven days (Table 2).

Table 2. Predicted low temperatures at select Michigan locations for the week of May 18, 2021.
	Low temperatures predicted throughout Michigan
	Hudsonville	Commerce Township	Benton Harbor	Elk Rapids	Petoskey	Escanaba
May 18	52	54	52	50	49	45
May 19	59	56	57	56	54	52
May 20	64	60	60	62	56	57
May 21	63	63	63	62	57	56
May 22	63	62	60	57	54	54
May 23	63	63	62	57	54	54
May 24	58	54	60	50	49	48

In many areas of central Michigan, we are passing the traditional frost-free dates, which are the dates that tell us when statistically we are least likely to have any days with temperatures that can kill cold-sensitive pants. Especially if you live in northern Michigan, keep an eye on the predicted low temperatures and know the typical frost-free dates in your area. For example, there is still a 25% chance that there will be a freezing temperature after today in Escanaba, Michigan, and the latest freeze ever recorded in recent history was May 30. In Grayling, Michigan, there’s still greater than a 75% chance there will be a freezing low temperature after May 21.

What if you have already purchased plants and a frost is expected for your area; what can you do to protect them? First, gardeners can bring containers and hanging baskets into the garage overnight. Gardeners can also protect them with frost blankets – or lightweight fabrics – to retain the radiant heat from the ground and prevent the air temperature from sinking to or below freezing under the frost fabric.

Commercially available frost blankets are light-colored, woven or non-woven materials that can breathe. Dark plastics or other impenetrable materials may do more harm than good as they can cause moisture to build up and freeze on the foliage below. However, tarps can be used if propped up on patio furniture or sawhorses, not making contact with the foliage underneath. Make sure to remove the frost protection after the threat has passed otherwise the temperature will build up under the fabric or tarps and the plants may experience heat stress and drought. For more information, check out Part 2, “Frost and freezing temperatures and ways to protect plants," from Michigan State University Extension.

As always, keep an eye out for freezing or frost advisories but for the vast majority, gardeners now have the green light to plant their gardens. Happy planting!

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).