Michigan spans multiple USDA plant hardiness zones, primarily ranging from zone 4 to zone 6. Specifically:
- Northern parts of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, are generally in zones 4a and 4b, characterized by colder winters with average minimum temperatures between -30°F and -20°F (-34.4°C to -28.9°C).
- Central parts of the state fall mostly into zones 5a and 5b, with average minimum temperatures ranging from -20°F to -10°F (-28.9°C to -23.3°C).
- Southern Michigan, including areas near the Great Lakes and cities like Detroit, is warmer, typically in zones 6a and 6b, with minimum temperatures from -10°F to 0°F (-23.3°C to -17.8°C)
This range reflects Michigan's continental climate with distinct regional differences: colder, harsher winters in the north and milder conditions in the south. Knowing your specific zone helps select plants that are hardy enough to survive Michigan winters and guides planting schedules. For example, Detroit is in zone 6, while northern areas are colder zones 4 and 5
