Landscape plants in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan are plentiful. Choosing the best shrubs, trees, and perennials can be overwhelming. Here are some of the best options for upper Midwest gardens based on attractiveness, ease of maintenance and appropriateness for the climate.

Trees

Among the most foundational Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota plants for landscaping are trees. Start with a few strategically placed trees and build your garden around them.

River Birch

This smaller accent tree provides visual interest year-round with its flaky white bark. River birch tolerates wet soil that doesn’t drain well.

Northern Catalpa

This is a great urban tree that tolerates many types of soil. Catalpa produces large green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and long seed pods.

Serviceberry

Another good flowering tree for Midwest states, serviceberry is small, produces edible berries, and has good fall color.

Hackberry

This shade tree is underutilized in the home garden. Hackberry grows about 60 feet (18 m) tall with an equal spread. It also feeds native birds.

Kentucky Coffeetree

Despite the name, this tree does grow well in all upper Midwest states. Kentucky Coffeetree is a tall shade tree that tolerates winter salt spray. Choose a male tree to avoid messy seed pods.

Concolor Fir

This attractive evergreen looks similar to blue spruce but is not susceptible to needlecast, a fungal disease. Concolor firs grow up to 50 feet (15 m) tall.

Shrubs

Also important in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin plants in the landscape are shrubs. Lower than trees, they offer opportunities to create focal points, hedges and borders and visual interest.

Serviceberry

Serviceberry makes the list again because you can find shrub varieties with the same edible berries and spring flowers. The tree grows about 25 feet (7.6 m) tall and the shrub six feet (1.8 m).

Common Ninebark

This medium-sized shrub can grow in a variety of tough conditions and soil types. Ninebark produces flowers in spring and berries that attract birds in fall.

Winterberry

Winterberry is a native holly and a great choice for winter color. To get the most berries, be sure you choose a male shrub.

Common Lilac

Although not native, lilac is also not invasive in the Midwest. It is very popular in landscaping for the beautifully-scented spring flowers. Even when not in bloom, lilac is an attractive deciduous shrub you can prune and shape or leave alone to grow large.

Red Chokeberry

This medium, multi-stemmed shrub has something for every season: white spring flowers, green summer foliage, orange to purple-red fall foliage, fall berries, and reddish winter bark.

Perennials

For Midwest flowers, perennials are a great choice. Annuals are nice too, but perennial varieties require less care and will come back year after year.

Butterfly Weed

This is a low maintenance flower for full sun that attracts pollinators with its cheerful clusters of orange flowers. A type of milkweed, butterfly weed is a host plant for monarch butterflies.

Coneflower

Also known as echinacea, coneflower is a tall, tough perennial that is vey easy to grow. Most often seen in purple, you can now find other color forms, like red, orange, and white.

Balloon Flower

This is a lower growing perennial that stays less than about 1.5 feet (0.45 m) tall. Balloon flower is low maintenance and produces striking, star-shaped flowers throughout summer.

Bleeding Heart

For shadier areas, and for a plant that is deer-resistant, choose bleeding heart. The unique flowers are heart shaped with a petal that hangs below, giving this plant its name. They come in pink and white varieties.

Hosta

Hostas are not native to the region, but they are extremely popular in the perennial garden. Hostas come in a wide variety of sizes and foliage colors, are easy to grow, and tolerate shade very well.

For the best Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa plants in the landscape, consider these options, and also choose native species whenever possible. Native east north central plants support pollinators and wildlife and also require fewer resources.

Invasive plants are species that are not native to a region and that cause harm to the local ecosystem. For instance, they outcompete native plants, limit food resources to wildlife, or even emit toxins that prevent other plants from growing. There are several invasive plants in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, but read about these that are some of the worst.

East North Central Invasive Plants

Phragmites

There are several wetland invasive species in Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Among the most insidious in these natural areas is phragmites (Phragmites australis). It is an impressive plant, growing up to 13 feet (4 m) tall with a feathery, purplish inflorescence at the top of the stalks.

There is a native subspecies, but an invasive one has taken over many marshes, ponds, and wetlands throughout the Midwest. The invasive subspecies is P. australis australis. The introduced subspecies forms denser stands. It outcompetes other plants and creates vast monocultures.

Another issue with invasive phragmites is that they tend to hold onto dead stalks from previous seasons. These linger in place and present fire hazards. Control of this subspecies is challenging and usually requires a permit to use chemicals followed by mowing. If you have phragmites on your property, be sure it is the invasive subspecies before attempting control.

Garlic Mustard

Among invasive Wisconsin plants, and other Midwest states, garlic mustard is one of the most persistent. Alliaria petiolate is native to the woodlands of Europe and is well adapted to Midwestern woods. Early settlers brought it over for its edible and medicinal properties.

It grows very well here, emerging earlier in the spring than many native species, producing hundreds or thousands of seeds per plant, and creating dense stands that completely crowd out native wildflowers. The monoculture that can develop where garlic mustard grows harms wildlife by limiting food resources.

Garlic mustard has toothed, heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers on stems that grow two to four feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) tall. If you see these in your garden, pull them up in spring before they can produce seeds. Effective control takes years of effort because the seeds can survive for about seven years in the ground.

Giant Hogweed

Among invasive plants of the upper Midwest that can actually harm people is giant hogweed. Heracleum mantegazzianum is native to Asia. Its impressive size and appearance brought it to Europe and the U.S. as a unique ornamental. Giant hogweed can grow as tall as 20 feet (6 m). It grows tiny white flowers in umbrella-like clusters, much like Queen Anne’s lace.

What really makes giant hogweed problematic is its sap. It contains a photosensitive substance that activates in sunlight, causing a severe rash called photo-dermatitis. The rash can be very painful and cause blistering. If you think you might have come into contact with giant hogweed, it is essential to change clothing and wash your skin immediately.

This plant can unknowingly cause harm because it looks a lot like less insidious species, including cow parsley, Queen Anne’s lace, angelica, and wild parsnip. Make careful comparisons before handling a plant that resembles giant hogweed. Don’t try to remove it yourself. Contact your local extension office for advice and assistance.

Common Buckthorn

Native to Europe and Asia, common buckthorn has taken over many areas of the Midwest that would normally host a diversity of native shrubs. Rhamnus cathartica was brought to North America as an ornamental but now is well naturalized.

Common buckthorn outcompetes other native shrubs that produce nutritious berries and fruits that birds and other wildlife eat. Buckthorn also produces a lot of berries, but they are low in nutrition. This results in harm to wildlife but also contributes to its spread as birds eat the berries and distribute seeds.

Invasive buckthorn is a large shrub with simple green leaves with prominent, parallel veins. The male and female flowers grow on different shrubs. The berries on female plants are small, round, and purplish-black. The twigs have thorns at the tips.

Because it grows large and densely, buckthorn can be difficult to control. It’s best to fully remove smaller shrubs. For larger shrubs, you can cut them down to the ground and use a recommended herbicide to prevent regrowth.

While these are some of the worst, invasive plants of the upper Midwest are numerous. Learn what is listed as invasive in your state and area and watch for them in your garden and favorite natural areas.

Note: Any recommendations pertaining to the use of chemicals are for informational purposes only. Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.

The upper Midwest states of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa span USDA zone 6, zone 5, zone 4, and just a little bit of zone 3 in northern Minnesota. This means there is a wide variety of Midwest garden vegetables to choose from that will thrive here.

The Best Vegetables to Grow in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota

There is some variation by USDA zone, but in general, you can successfully grow all these vegetables in the upper Midwest states:

• Asparagus
• Beans
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Celery
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Garlic
• Greens
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Peas
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Squash, Summer and Winter
• Swiss chard
• Tomatoes

The Best Vegetables to Grow in Minnesota’s North

Northern Minnesota vegetable gardening can be a little tricker than in other areas. This is the coldest part of the upper Midwest states. Most of the state is in zone 4, but the northern reaches are in zone 3.

You can still grow warm season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Their growing season will be shorter for zone 3 gardens, but you can still get a harvest.

For the best results, take advantage of the vegetables that thrive in colder weather or have shorter growing seasons:

• Beans
• Beets
• Carrots
• Corn
• Kale
• Lettuces
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Summer squash and zucchini
• Winter squashes

Tips for Successful Midwest Vegetable Gardens

Once you have selected vegetables to grow, a successful garden is a matter of timing and maintenance. Here are some expert tips suited to Midwest vegetable beds:

Choose the Right Varieties.

Among the many vegetables you can grow in the upper Midwest, there are many, many cultivars. Do some research before purchasing plants or seeds. Some varieties are better suited to colder climates than others.

Start with Seeds.

Veggie gardening can be inexpensive if you start with seeds, but be sure to buy high-quality products. You can also save seeds from year to year to spend even less on your garden. Trade and share seeds with neighbors.

Start Indoors.

With a shorter growing season than other regions, consider starting vegetable seeds indoors. Use starter trays and transplant outdoors when the weather and soil are ready. With this strategy, you can grow more veggies with longer times to maturity.

Check Frost Dates.

Last spring frost dates vary quite a bit across the Midwest. Check the dates for your exact location and avoid planting before this date. Exceptions include cold-hardy vegetables and cultivars.

Plant by Season.

Save your warm weather plants for the middle of the growing season. Plant cool weather veggies in both spring and fall for two harvests.

Use Cold Frames.

Another way to extend your harvest in a colder region is to use a cold frame. These are like miniature green houses that allow you to start plants sooner in spring or grow them later in fall.

Use Successive Plantings.

Another way to get more out of your growing season is with successive plantings. This means starting seeds a couple weeks apart, so you get successive harvests throughout the season. For a region with a shorter growing season, this works best with plants that have a short time to maturity, like lettuces, greens, and radishes.

Water and Weed.

This is true for any vegetable garden everywhere: you must weed and water often. Get on top of weeds right away and keep pulling them regularly. Water plants daily if it isn’t raining, but don’t let the ground get soggy.

Midwest vegetable gardening has some challenges. Early fall and late spring frosts can take you by surprise, and sometimes it feels like you can’t grow anything here. Yet, with the right choice of vegetables and good timing, you can grow a plethora of food in your backyard.

A lawn care schedule in the Midwest is all about timing. Upper Midwest turf is made up of cool season grasses, which has a particular seasonal cycle. For the best results, match up spring, summer, and fall lawn care in the Midwest with the turf’s seasonal needs.

Upper Midwest Turf Cycle

Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa lawn care is similar and timed to the changing seasons of this region. Cool season turf grasses grown in this area go through a specific growth cycle:

• Spring brings a surge in growth in Midwest turf grass. The roots should be deep and rich with nutrients stored in the fall.
• As temperatures rise in summer, cool season grass slows its growth way down. The roots can become damaged in very hot temperatures.
• Fall brings another surge in growth as the grass recovers in cooler temperatures. This surge is not as big as the one that occurs in spring.
• The grass roots start storing energy and growing deeper in fall in preparation for going dormant in winter.

When to Fertilize a Lawn in Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota

The best time to fertilize cool season turf is August through October. Fall is when the roots really need to take up nutrients to store over the winter. You can also fertilize in May and early June.

Avoid fertilizing early in spring. This encourages too much leaf growth when temperatures might still get too cold. Also avoid fertilizing on the hot days of summer. This can damage the grass.

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for turf growth, but don’t go overboard. A typical lawn needs four pounds (1.8 kg) of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (92 square meters) each year. Don’t apply more than one pound (0.5 kg) in any one application. Too much nitrogen compromises root growth and can even burn the leaves.

Mowing in the Growing Season

Mowing correctly is essential to turf health. Mow as needed from spring through fall, but never cut the grass too short. Keep it to a height of about three inches (7.6 cm). And never remove more than one-third of the grass’s height in one mowing.

You can stop mowing during the hottest days of summer when the turf’s growth slows way down. If you water regularly in summer, continue to mow as needed. Leave mulched grass clippings on the lawn rather than bagging.

Watering the Midwest Lawn

Cool season turf grass needs one inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week from spring through fall. If your lawn isn’t getting enough due to lack of rainfall, it’s best to water it. Place a few empty cans around the lawn to measure how much water your sprinkler provides.

It is perfectly fine for the grass to stop watering in summer. Let the grass go dormant and brown, and it will return as the temperatures cool. If you want green grass all summer, you will most likely need to supplement rain water.

When to Dethatch a Lawn in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota

Dethatching is the removal of the layer of dead grass and other organic material that sits on the surface of the soil. It’s not an annual chore, but removing it every few years is good for turf. Too much thatch blocks water, fertilizer, and oxygen from getting to the roots. It can also promote pests and diseases.

Early spring and fall are the best times to dethatch in the upper Midwest. Don’t do it in the summer when the lawn can get stressed. Also avoid dethatching a new lawn. Give it a few years before tackling this chore.

Managing Weeds

Weeds are not necessarily a problem in the turf. In fact, a more diverse lawn is healthier. However, if you want to manage them to some degree, timing is important. Do not apply herbicides in hot weather. This can cause serious damage to the grass.

To manage crabgrass, use a pre-emergent herbicide between mid-April and mid-May. You need to catch it before it actually appears in the turf.

Seasonal lawn care in the upper Midwest follows the growth cycle of cool season grass. Work with your turf and time chores correctly for a healthy, green lawn.

Annuals are popular in the Midwest because they give gardeners with long winters a chance to grow cheerful, tropical, and other warmer weather plants. Cool-season annuals are also great for the edges of the growing season, when native plants are fading or not yet ready to sprout. Try these Midwest annual flowers to add color and interest to your garden.

Annual Flowers for Iowa

For Iowa gardens, you can hardly go wrong with these blooming annuals:

Dahlia -- The stunning variety of bloom shapes and colors is reason enough to grow dahlias in the garden. As striking as they are, they are also easy to grow, especially in containers.

Zinnia -- Another cheerful bloom is the humble zinnia. It doesn’t have as much variety as dahlias, but these flowers are attractive and easy. You can grow them from seed. Even if you get a late start, they’ll still bloom.

Sunflower -- This might be the state flower of Iowa’s neighbor Kansas, but sunflower grows well here too. Choose varieties that range from small to grand, with blooms that can be white, yellow, or red and striped. Enjoy gorgeous fall blooms and seedheads that attract birds.

Pansy -- For the shoulder seasons, bring in cheerful gold and purple pansies. Since they will wilt in the summer heat, containers are best. You can bring them indoors to save for fall.

Annual Flowers in Michigan

Michigan has a lot of different climate zones, but these flowers grow well throughout the state as annuals:

Impatiens -- This old standby can seem boring if you’ve seen it in gardens before, but they consistently provide summer-long flowers in bright colors. Impatiens will grow well in your tough shady spots too.

Petunia -- Another classic that deserves attention is the petunia. You can find so many varieties of these flowers now, from smaller, spilling wave petunias to the larger standard types. They tolerate Michigan’s scorching summers and drink up the sunlight.

Ornamental Millet -- For something less expected, try an ornamental millet like ‘Jade Princess.’ It produces bright green leaves contrasted with deep reddish brown flower stalks.

Cosmos -- For an annual with a wildflower look you can’t beat cosmos. These wispy plants produce delicate, pretty blooms that are great for cutting.

Annual Flowers for Minnesota

These are some of the best annuals that really perform in Minnesota gardens:

Summer Snapdragon -- Angelonia angustifolia, or summer snapdragon, looks a lot like snapdragon with up a spike of small flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.

Million Bells -- Calibrachoa is a popular container plant for its proliferation of petunia-like flowers. They also come in a full rainbow of colors and even stripes and double blooms. Try Bloomtastic Yellow for a bright variety.

Butter Daisy -- Butter daisies are prolific bloomers that produce small, daisy-like yellow flowers. It’s a great full sun annual that will grace the Minnesota garden all summer.

Celosia -- This striking plant that belongs to the amaranth family is a popular annual for its pretty flower spikes and low maintenance needs. Look for celosia in a full range of colors, from red and orange to burgundy and purple.

Annual Flowers in Wisconsin

Wisconsin flowers to enjoy just for the growing season include:

Sweet Alyssum -- A rare flowering annual groundcover, enjoy the proliferations of miniature blooms of sweet alyssum in sunny beds and containers. They bloom especially well during cooler temperatures in spring and fall.

Begonia -- Begonia, like impatiens, is a classic standby in the Midwest annual garden. Begonias grow well in shade and in containers. You can also find many more varieties than what most garden centers have. Dig a little deeper for varieties with more interesting foliage, growth habits, and flower types.

Salvia -- Bring butterflies into the garden with salvia. Technically a perennial, many Midwest gardeners treat salvia as an annual. The small flowers that grow on tall spikes attract many pollinators.

Most of these annuals will grow well throughout the upper Midwest. Always check your climate zone before choosing the perfect flowers for your location.

Container gardening in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa is a great opportunity for gardeners in these states to enjoy plants that aren’t suited for perennial beds. In containers, you can grow tender and tropical plants as annuals, or bring them indoors for winter. Containers also allow you to garden more efficiently in a small space.

Why Container Gardening?

Gardening in pots is a great choice for many reasons. If you have a sizable garden, you can supplement it with containers. Use them to decorate areas without soil, like a patio or deck.

If you don’t have much of a garden, containers provide a chance to grow more plants. Even if you only have a patio or balcony, pots allow you to grow flowers or even a few vegetables.

Finally, container gardening for the Midwest is a great opportunity to cultivate the types of plants that don’t suit this four-season environment. Grow tropical plants and tender perennials in a container as annuals or as year-round plants that you bring inside for winter.

Choosing Plants for a Container Garden

For a Midwest container garden, the sky is the limit. A container gives you the freedom to grow tropical plants, small shrubs or fruit trees, and plants with varying sunlight needs because you can move them around. Here are some ideas of plants that do well in containers and that will thrive in a Midwestern summer:

Annual flowers

Any annual blooming plants you find in the gardening center will work well in containers. These are tropical or other warm-region plants that only survive outdoors in the Midwest in summer. Try impatiens, begonias, petunias, marigolds, geraniums, zinnias, calibrachoa, and dahlias.

Among all the annual flowers are tropical foliage stunners. Look for tropical ferns, all the many color varieties of coleus, elephant’s ear, sweet potato vine, bloodleaf, croton, and caladium, just to name a few.

Ornamental grasses

Grasses add a showy element to a mixed container. Plant them in the middle and surround them with colorful flowers for contrast. Try blue oat grass, red or purple fountain grass, papyrus, and broad-leaf sedges, which come in many colors.

Herbs

For functional and sweet-smelling containers, grow herbs. All herbs grow well in containers. You can also bring them indoors for winter to keep them going.

Vegetables

You can also grow vegetables in containers, if you choose wisely. Avoid vining plants like squash and melons, as they grow too large. For tomatoes, choose determinate varieties to put a cap on growth. Look for bush-type varieties of some vegetables that do well in pots. In general, you can easily grow these in containers:

• Beets
• Broccoli
• Bush beans
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Eggplant
• Leaf lettuce
• Onions
• Peppers
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Tomatoes

Tips for Container Gardening in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa

Container-grown plants have all the same needs as plants in beds, but how you provide them varies. For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

Choose the right container.

Generally, the container size should match the plant. However, some plants prefer more space while others like to be root-bound. Do your research.

Use potting mix. Fill the containers with high-quality soil designed specifically for potted plants. They are lighter, drain well, and have nutrients.

Take care watering.

Follow guidelines for specific plants, but in general be sure that the container drains well and that the soil is routinely moist but not dripping wet. Keep in mind that the soil in a container dries out more quickly than in beds. Potted plants need more frequent watering.

Fertilize potted plants regularly.

Watering regularly leaches more nutrients out of the soil than occurs in beds.

Know your frost dates.

If you hope to bring containers in for winter, be aware of the average first and last frosts of the year. Your tender plants might not survive a frost. Additionally, pay attention to the weather in the event it looks like you might have an early or late frost in your area.

Gardening anywhere means dealing with the inevitable pests. In the upper Midwest, this means everything from invasive beetles to ordinary aphids to lawn churning moles. Learn some Midwest insect identification and how to recognize invasive pests and larger animals to protect your garden. Knowing what’s in your garden is the first step.

Common and Persistent Pests

When it comes to the most familiar bugs in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa, there are plenty of common species that most gardeners see:

• Aphids -- Aphids are tiny insects that suck out sap and leave behind honeydew that attracts ants and fungus, creating a multi-pronged problem. Different types attack different plant species, including many veggies.
• Squash Bugs -- These half-inch, flat insects attack and damage all vining vegetable plants, including squashes, cucumbers, and melons. Nymphs feed on leaves, while adults feed on the fruits.
• Flea Beetles -- Look for these small beetles early in the growing season. You’ll find them on potatoes, eggplant, beets, spinach, and other veggies. They feed on and create multiple holes in leaves.
• Colorado Potato Beetle -- If you grow potatoes, you might find these little striped beetles in your garden. It might also feed on your peppers and eggplants. Take this pest seriously, as it creates a lot of damage quickly and tends to persist year after year.
• Hornworms -- Look for these caterpillars on your tomato, eggplant, potato, and pepper plants. They are easy to identify and are large, green, and have a prominent horn on the rear end.

Invasive Pests in the Midwest

Among the many Minnesota bugs and insects of Iowa that could harm your plants are invasive species:

• Japanese Beetle -- One of the most common and damaging of invasive pests in the Midwest is this iridescent beetle. It’s small and kind of pretty but also a real problem. They target all kinds of plants and can be found in large numbers. They can leave your pretty plant foliage looking like a piece of lace after feeding.
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug -- This particular stink bug is a growing threat in the Midwest. You’ll find them both in the garden and inside the home. Outside, it will pierce and suck the juice out of many of your fruits and veggies.
• Asian Longhorned Beetle -- Another growing problem is this insect, which is easy to identify. They cause significant damage to and kill trees, particularly maples.
• Spotted Wing Drosophila -- These little fruit flies can cause a lot of damage to fruits. They lay eggs on soft-skinned fruit that their larvae feed on. Look for them on berries, grapes, cherries, and plums.

Midwest Mammal Pests

Whether or not you consider these native mammals to be pests depends on how much you love your turf lawn. Some would argue they were here first, but they can certainly do some damage to your hard-earned lawn:

• Groundhogs -- These large rodents are very common in Midwest lawns. They dig large holes to create burrows. If you have holes larger than a softball, you have groundhogs, also known as woodchucks.
• Pocket Gophers -- This smaller rodent can also cause a lot of lawn damage with their burrowing. Look for mounds of dirt in the grass with small holes.
• Moles -- Another burrowing mammal, moles create tunnels throughout the lawn. You’ll see these raised tunnels in the grass but rarely a visible hole. Ultimately the grass over the tunnels turns brown and dies.
• Chipmunks -- These cute little critters can be pests by destroying plants with their digging and even in some cases by getting into and damaging building foundations. They tend to create multiple small hills near buildings.
• Skunks -- Skunks do more damage than spray your curious dog. They also feed in lawns. If you see grass or sod rolled up from the ground, you have a feeding skunk looking for insects.
• Raccoons -- Raccoons will also feed in lawns, but they don’t roll up the grass like skunks. They simply leave patches of bare dirt.

Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota insects and mammals that damage your garden plants can be frustrating. Learn to identify the most common species and contact your local extension office for solutions.

Grass as a garden element goes well beyond that perfect expanse of green turf. Ornamental grasses have become increasingly popular with gardeners and landscapers over the last couple of decades. They provide drama and visual interest, often with minimal maintenance. Here are some ideas for growing ornamental grass in Upper Midwest gardens.

Ornamental Grass in the Garden

The term ornamental grass in gardening refers to actual grass species but also plants that resemble grass, like sedges. Most are perennials, but some grasses are annual. If you grow species native to the Upper Midwest, they should come back every year. Grasses from warmer climates will grow as annuals here.

Ornamental grasses come in two different types of growth habit: spreading and clumping. Spreading grasses can be used as groundcover but can also quickly take over areas of the garden. Clumping grasses stay in a tight space but get bigger over time.

There is a lot of variety in ornamental grasses, and therefore many potential uses. Tall grasses make great privacy screens, while low grasses can be groundcover. Use showy, clumping grasses as you would other perennials in a bed. Low clumping grasses make good edges and borders. You can also grow showy grasses as the centerpiece of a mixed container.

Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota native ornamental grasses are great in Upper Midwest gardens, but there are many others to try. Just avoid invasive species and keep spreading non-native grasses well contained. Most of these can be used in all of the Upper Midwest.

Ornamental Grasses for Iowa

• Little Bluestem – This native species grows up to two to three feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) tall and has a clumping growth habit. Look for cultivars that grow blue in summer and turn red in fall.

• Blue Oatgrass – Reaching about three feet tall, blue oatgrass has a lovely bluish-gray color and delicate, feathery foliage.

• Dwarf Blue Fescue – For a blue grass groundcover without a spreading growth habit, try this fescue that stays under a foot tall (0.3 m).

• Switchgrass – For a tall, showy native, try switchgrass, which can grow as tall as six feet (1.8 m).

Ornamental Grasses for Michigan

• Big Bluestem – This is a pretty native grass that grows tall, up to eight feet (2.4 m). It changes from a light bluish-green in summer to reddish-bronze in fall. Use it as a screen or focal point.

• Ravenna Grass – If you really want to impress with height, try this non-native. It grows in a clump up to 13 feet (4 m) tall with showy inflorescences.

• Fountain Grass – Fountain grasses are popular in gardens for the “spill” effect. They make great bed centerpieces. Try P. alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ for a variety that grows well in Michigan.

Ornamental Grasses for Minnesota

• Indian Grass – This is a lovely native grass for the Minnesota garden. It can grow between 3 and 7 feet tall (0.9 to 2.1 m), is drought resistant, and puts on a pretty fall show.

• Silver Grass – Belonging to the Miscanthus genus, silver grasses are not native but hardy enough for Minnesota. They are also very showy with fountain-like growth and large, feathery flower heads.

• Elephant Grass – For a fun annual in the Minnesota garden, try the ‘Prince’ cultivar of elephant grass. It is not hardy here but does well in the summer. ‘Prince’ is a striking purple cultivar that adds nice contrast to beds and borders.

Ornamental Grasses for Wisconsin

• Canada Wild Rye – Native to the whole region, this wild rye is most often grown as forage but also makes a nice landscape feature. Use it where you need a quick privacy screen.

• Bottlebrush Grass – This is not the same as the red flowering plant native to other areas. Elymus hystrix is a Wisconsin native grass with an interesting, bristly flower structure. It grows in woodland areas, so let it naturalize in shady spots.

• Blue Moor Grass – Native to Europe, blue moor grass is hardy in Wisconsin and only grows about a foot tall. The green, twisting foliage has a bluish tint and makes a nice groundcover in full sun or partial shade.

Attached to Wisconsin on one end and surrounded by the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan is a truly unique place. It is largely rural and remote and home to some spectacular native species that local gardeners enjoy for their hardiness and low maintenance needs.

Weather and Climate in the U.P.

The Upper Peninsula growing zones vary across the region, including USDA zones 3 through 5. Since it’s surrounded on three sides by the Great Lakes, the U.P. enjoys a variety of weather. In general, the region is cold but temperate. The climate is largely humid with plenty of rain and snow.

What most challenges U.P. gardeners is, of course, the cold. The growing season here is shorter than most of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. However, because of the lakes that keep the climate temperate, the U.P. isn’t as cold as it could be for its latitude. The average last frost of spring is around May 15th and the first frost in the fall is early to mid-October.

The Best Plants for Northern Michigan

If you know your USDA zones, which again, can vary significantly in the U.P. depending on location, choose plants hardy in that zone. Gardeners can also rely on northern Michigan native plants for easy options.

Native plants occur naturally here and are therefore able to survive the cold, long winters and tolerate the usual changes in weather from season to season. Native species require less maintenance, support local wildlife, and are usually less expensive.

Many pretty perennial flowers are native and grow well in the U.P. These include:

• Rough blazing star
• False Solomon’s seal
• Black-eyed Susan
• Wild blue flag iris
• Big-leaved and smooth aster
• Blue vervain
• Purple and early meadowrue
• Wild columbine
• Swamp milkweed
• Fireweed
• Sand coreopsis
• Harebell

Native shrubs and vining plants include:

• Virgin’s bower
• Bunchberry
• Red-osier dogwood
• Ninebark
• Elderberry
• Lowbush blueberry

For something a little different try native ferns, sedges, and grasses:

• Maidenhair fern
• Ostrich fern
• Interrupted fern
• Fox sedge
• Tussock sedge
• Big and little bluestem
• Switchgrass
• Northern sweetgrass

Trees of the Upper Peninsula

If your garden is a blank slate, or you just want more trees, choose species that are native and hardy enough to thrive in this region. These are some popular northern Michigan trees used in landscaping:

• Paper birch is a classic northern tree with smooth white bark
• Serviceberry is a small tree with ornamental flowers and berries
• Red and sugar maples are large trees with spectacular fall color
• Red oak is another grand tree that grows well in northern climates

Vegetable Gardening in the U.P.

There are plenty of native species available for Upper Peninsula gardeners. You can create a beautiful garden with these plants and maybe a few non-native, non-invasive but hardy species.

More challenging in the U.P. garden is growing vegetables. The summers are certainly warm enough, but you will have a shorter growing season. Take steps to extend the growing season and to get the most of your garden:

• Start seeds indoors in early spring when possible.
• Take advantage of cool-weather vegetables and plant them both in spring and fall for a double harvest.
• Use row covers on the edges of the growing season.
• Use cold boxes or a greenhouse.

When planning a U.P. garden, it’s important to understand the climate in your local region. There is a lot of geographical and weather variety throughout the area, from lakeshores and marshes to woodlands and rocky soils. Know your garden, soil, and local ecosystem to make the most of your Up North garden.

A native plant is one that naturally grows in a particular area. Exotic, non-native, and invasive plants often encroach on native plants, altering the ecosystem and sometimes harming plants and animals. Gardeners in the Upper Midwest states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa have a wide range of beautiful native species to choose over non-native plants.

Why Plant Native Species?

Native plant gardening is a growing trend. More gardeners and homeowners are coming to realize the benefits of choosing native species:

• They support and stabilize the natural environment in a region.
• Native species support wildlife, providing habitat and food sources.
• Many native flowers attract pollinators.
• They require less water and maintenance.
• Natives are particularly well-suited to their area and are better able to survive and thrive.

Choose native plants that grow in your region for a successful, beautiful, and environmentally friendly garden.

Iowa Native Plants

These are just a few of the many native plants in Iowa that gardeners can choose for more eco-friendly beds:

• Jack-in-the-pulpit – Jack-in-the-pulpit is a woodland wildflower with a unique, cup-like bloom
• Dutchman’s breeches – Dutchman’s breeches is a wildflower with blooms shaped like little pants
• Virginia bluebells – Despite the name, Virginia bluebells are a pretty spring flower native to Iowa
• Wild geranium – Wild geranium, this pretty pink flower blooms in spring
• Shooting star – Shooting star is a unique flower that looks inside out and a cluster of shooting stars
• Canadian wild ginger – A pretty groundcover, Canadian wild ginger has large, heart-shaped leaves
• Lady fern – Lady fern is a delicate fern for woodland gardens
• Ostrich fern – Ostrich fern is a dramatic fern suitable for shady areas that need a bold statement
• Cinnamon fern – Cinnamon fern turns a lovely shade of bronze and grows very tall
• Serviceberry – Serviceberry is a large shrub or small tree that provides spring flowers, summer fruits, and fall color
• Pagoda dogwood – Pagoda dogwood is an understory tree with four-season interest
• Arrowwood viburnum – Arrowwood viburnum is a smaller shrub with white flowers and dark berries

Michigan Native Plants

Choose from among these native Michigan flowers, trees, shrubs, and more to create a healthy, balanced garden:

• Black-eyed Susan – Black-eyed Susan is a popular perennial for its cheerful, late summer and fall blooms
• Canada anemone – Canada anemone, use this small white flower for areas with moist soil
• Butterfly weed – Butterfly weed is a bright orange beauty for full sun and drier soils
• New England aster – choose New England aster, a pretty daisy-like flower, for bright blue fall color
• Swamp milkweed – Swamp milkweed supports endangered monarch butterflies with its flowers
• Maidenhair fern – Maidenhair fern is a small, delicate fern with lacy leaves
• Winterberry – Winterberry is a native holly that produces bright red berries for winter color
• Gray dogwood – Gray dogwood, a low maintenance shrub with white flowers and white berries
• Paper birch – Paper birch is a small tree with smooth, white bark
• Big bluestem – The native grass big bluestem is a great choice for a native ornamental grass

Minnesota Native Plants

There is a lot of overlap with Michigan and Iowa natives, but also try these species for a native Minnesota garden:

• Autumn onion – A native onion that produces pretty spheres of pink lavender flowers and has edible bulbs
• Wild columbine – Wild columbine is a beautiful native woodland flower with striking red and yellow blooms
• Cardinal flower – Choose cardinal flower for bright red color
• Wood lily – The tall native wood lily produces large, red-orange flowers
• Dwarf false indigo – Dwarf false indigo is a shrub with delicate, feathered leaves and purple flowers
• Red osier dogwood – The shrub red osier dogwood produces white flowers and berries and provides winter color with red stems
• Creeping juniper – Creeping juniper is an evergreen groundcover with purple berries
• Prairie June grass – Prairie June grass is a short but showy native ornamental grass

Wisconsin Native Plants

Again, many native species overlap in this region, and most of the above are suitable for Wisconsin. Here are some other species native in the state:

• Pale purple coneflower – Pale purple coneflower is a pretty perennial that attracts butterflies and birds
• Prairie blazing star – Prairie blazing star is a perennial that blooms with striking pink and magenta flowers
• Showy goldenrod – Often blamed for allergies, goldenrod isn’t a common allergen and provides gorgeous fall color
• Prairie smoke – Prairie smoke, a unique plant named for its wispy, smoke-like seedhead
• American elderberry – A sprawling shrub, American elderberry produces pretty, scented flowers and edible dark berries
• Lowbush blueberry – Grow native berries with the small shrub lowbush blueberry
• New Jersey tea – Once used as a tea substitute during the Revolutionary War, the New Jersey tea shrub is native to the Midwest
• Fox sedge – Fox sedge is a showy sedge with a flower stalk that resembles a fox’s tail

Roses are among the most beloved of flowers and are not as hard to grow as some people fear. Growing roses is possible in most gardens, but you do need to choose the right type. Pick the best Midwest roses for your Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Iowa garden. 

Growing Roses in the Midwest

Some types of roses are finicky, especially when grown in a colder climate, like in the Midwest. Thanks to selective cultivation, there are now many varieties that are easier to grow and that adapt well to the Midwest region. Even with the right variety, there are certain things your new rose will need to grow well and thrive: 

• At least six hours of direct sunlight
• Well-drained, rich soil
• Regular watering
• Plenty of space for good air circulation
• Spring fertilizing
• Regular pruning

Best Roses for Midwest Gardens

Most Midwest rose bushes that do well in the colder winters and are lower maintenance are shrub roses. Bush roses, like hybrid tea roses and climbing roses will not fare as well, need more care, and are more likely to develop diseases. 

Here are some shrub roses to try in your Midwest garden: 

• ‘Earth Song.’ This cultivar produces stunning, large pink flowers and grows to about 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall. You’ll get blooms into October. 
• ‘Carefree Sunshine.’ A cheerful yellow, this flower is winter hardy through USDA zone 4.
• ‘Good ‘n Plenty.’ For a smaller plant, choose the 2 foot (61 cm.) tall rose, which produces white flowers edged in pink with yellow centers. 
• ‘Home Run.’ ‘Home Run’ is a cultivar that was bred with resistance to black spot and powdery mildew resistance. It’s a smaller shrub with bright red flowers and hardiness through zone 4. 
• ‘Little Mischief.’ Deer pester most midwestern gardens, but this rose is largely deer resistant. It grows small and works well in a container. The flowers are small and bright pink. 
• ‘Knock Out.’ This is the original low maintenance rose. It is also resistant to Japanese beetles, the bane of many rose growers. You can now choose many varieties of ‘Knock Out,’ including a miniature version and your choice of colors.
• ‘Snowcone.’ If you want something a little different, choose this rose with clusters of small white flowers, each no bigger than a piece of popped corn. 

Evergreen shrubs are useful for year-round color and privacy. Many varieties also offer shelter and food for wildlife. The upper Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan have climate extremes, but many varieties of evergreen can thrive here.

Choosing and Growing East North Central Evergreen Shrubs

When choosing evergreen bushes to grow in the northern Midwest, it’s important to find those that will be hardy enough for the cold and snowy winters. These shrubs also need to be able to handle hot summers, sometimes variable conditions, and stormy spring and fall seasons. 

Also, make selections based on what you need in your yard. For instance, if you want a year-round privacy screen in your backyard, choose a species that will grow tall enough. In addition to looking at evergreens that grow in this general region, make sure you match species to your local conditions and specifics like soil type. 

Growing upper Midwest evergreens, once the shrubs are established, doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Be sure to give them the best start though. Plant evergreens in spring or early summer, before it gets too hot. Water early on until roots get established and also during droughts. 

Mulch around shrubs to hold in moisture and keep weeds down. Wrap more vulnerable shrubs, such as yews, holly, fir, arborvitae, rhododendron, and boxwood in burlap during winter to prevent dieback. 

Evergreen Shrubs for Upper Midwest States

There are plenty of options for evergreen shrubs that will do well year-round in the northern Midwest. Some options are:

• Holly - This festive evergreen does well in Midwest yards and produces pretty red berries for winter color. Hollies prefer acidic soil. 
• Korean boxwood - This low hedge is great for ornamental and formal gardens, edging, and borders. Korean boxwood benefits from winter protection. 
• Wintercreeper - For an evergreen groundcover, you can’t go wrong with wintercreeper. Some varieties grow a little taller and work as low hedges. 
• Creeping juniper - This juniper variety grows much like a groundcover, creeping and spreading laterally from the main branch. 
• Common juniper – The evergreen juniper shrub works well in sandy soils like those along the Great Lake coasts.
• American yew - Yew is a good option for a dense hedge that grows to about 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall. 
• Arborvitae - There are several varieties of arborvitae that are tall, fast-growing, and perfect for privacy screens. 
• Rhododendron - A flowering woodland shrub, rhododendron works well in shady spots but might need some protection from winter cold in northern parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

December gardening tasks for the upper Midwest states of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are limited. The garden may be largely dormant now but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Focus on maintenance, preparation and planning, and houseplants.

What to Do in the Upper Midwest in December – Maintenance

It’s cold outside and winter has begun, but you can still get in some garden maintenance work. Take advantage of days that are unseasonably warm to do tasks like fence repair or work on your shed and tools.

Take care of perennial beds by adding mulch if you haven’t yet. This will help protect against frost heaving. Keep evergreens healthy and whole by knocking down heavy snow that threatens to break branches.

Upper Midwest Gardening Tasks – Preparation and Planning

Once you run out of things to do outside, spend some time prepping for spring. Go over the past season to analyze what worked and what didn’t. Plan any changes you want to make for next year. Some other prep work you can do now includes:

• Buying seeds
• Organize and inventory seeds you already have
• Choose trees or shrubs that need a late winter/early spring pruning
• Organize stored veggies and determine what to grow more or less of next year
• Clean and oil tools
• Get a soil test through your local extension office

Regional To-Do List – Houseplants

Where you can still get your hands dirty and actively grow plants in December in the upper Midwest is inside. Houseplants can get more of your attention now than most of the year, so spend some time caring for them:

• Water plants regularly
• Keep them warm enough by moving away from cold drafts and windows
• Wipe down plants with large leaves to remove dust
• Check houseplants for disease or pests
• Give them a regular misting to make up for the dry winter air
• Force bulbs

There is plenty you can do in December for your garden and houseplants, but this is also a good time to rest. Read gardening books, plan for next year, and dream of spring. 

Chores begin to wind down in November for the upper Midwest gardener, but there are still things to do. To ensure your garden and yard are ready for winter and prepared to grow healthy and strong in spring, put these November gardening tasks on your list in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. 

Your Regional To-Do List

Most of the chores for upper Midwest gardens at this time of year are maintenance, cleanup, and preparation for winter.

• Keep pulling out those weeds until you can’t anymore. This will make spring easier.
• Continue watering any new plants, perennials, shrubs, or trees you put in this fall. Water until the ground freezes, but don’t let the soil get waterlogged.
• Rake the leaves and give the lawn one last cut.
• Keep some plants standing for the winter, those that provide seeds and cover for wildlife or that have good visual interest under a snowfall.
• Cut back and clean up spent vegetable plants and perennials with no winter use.
• Turn over the vegetable patch soil and add compost.
• Clean up under fruit trees and prune away any diseased branches.
• Cover newer or tender perennials and bulbs with straw or mulch.
• Clean, dry, and store garden tools.
• Review the year’s gardening and plan for next year.

Can You Still Plant or Harvest in Midwest Gardens?

November in the garden in these states is pretty cold and dormant, but you can still harvest and maybe even plant. You may have winter squashes still ready to harvest. Pick them when the vines have started to die back but before you have a deep frost.

Depending on where you are in the region, you may still be able to plant perennials in November. Watch for frost, though, and water until the ground freezes. You can continue to plant tulip bulbs until the ground freezes. In the southern areas of the upper Midwest, you may still be able to get some garlic in the ground as well.

November is a time of preparing for winter. If you garden in the upper Midwest states, use this as a time to get ready for the colder months and to make sure your plants will be ready to go in spring.

Shrubs are essential to the home garden and yard. For states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, you need upper Midwest bushes. These shrubs are those that grow well in hot summers and cold, snowy winters. While there are non-native bushes that will do well here, consider the many native shrubs that will thrive.

Growing Shrubs in Upper Midwest States

Shrubs are useful additions to gardens for many reasons. They offer a mid-range height in the landscape, visual interest between the height of trees and lower flower beds. Shrubs make great borders and privacy screens and are nice alternatives to fences and walls. Some produce edible fruit and pretty smelling flowers. Native species attract and support local wildlife.

When choosing among northern Midwest shrub varieties, look for those that will match your needs and growing conditions. There are plenty of native shrubs that will require less maintenance and will be more attractive to wildlife, but you can also choose some non-native species that do well in this region.

Best Shrubs for East North Central States

The shrubs you plant in your upper Midwest gardens need to be able to handle hot summers that are often dry as well as snowy, cold winters and sometimes big storms. There are plenty of options that include evergreens, deciduous, flowering, and fruit bearing shrubs.

Here are some popular ones to consider:

• Dogwood - There are several native species of this pretty, spring flowering shrub. Even when the flowers and foliage are gone, dogwoods offer visual interest with striking yellow or red bark.
• Viburnum - Varieties of this shrub do well in the upper Midwest. Since viburnum grows up to 10 feet (3 m.) high and wide and are dense, they make good privacy screens.
• Red chokecherry - Chokecherry grows 6 to 8 feet (2 m.), produces white flowers in spring, red fruit in fall, and brilliant red fall foliage.
• Common ninebark - This is a native shrub that makes a good choice for any area with difficult growing conditions. Ninebark tolerates sun and shade as well as all types of soil.
• New Jersey tea - This is a Midwest native that grows just 3 feet (91 cm.) tall and wide. The foliage of New Jersey tea changes color through the summer and fall. Summer flowers attract butterflies.
• Shrubby cinquefoil - This shrub grows low, just to 3 feet (91 cm.) or so. Shrubby cinquefoil does well in a variety of conditions, flowers all summer, and prefers full sun.
• Rose of Sharon - Although not native, rose of Sharon is a popular tall shrub. It produces pretty, showy flowers beginning midsummer and through the fall.
• American Yew - Choose yew for an evergreen shrub that can be trimmed into a hedge or border up to about 5 feet (1.5 m.) high.
• Common juniper - This is another evergreen shrub that grows well in the upper Midwest. Juniper is particularly useful in dry, sandy locations. Native wildlife eats the fleshy cones.

Growing deciduous shrubs in upper Midwest regions successfully depends largely on selecting the right species and varieties. With long and bitterly cold winters, hot summers, and fluctuations between wet and dry native species adapted to these conditions are best. There are other, non-native shrubs that will also work in the region.

Deciduous Shrub Growing in Upper Midwest

The states of the eastern and central Midwest include USDA zones that range from 2 in northern Minnesota to 6 in southeast Michigan. Summers are hot everywhere in this region and winters are very cold. Most parts of these states are wet, but summers can get dry.

East North Central shrubs need to be able to withstand these climatic conditions but can also benefit from some very rich soils. In addition to tolerating cold and big temperature differences, deciduous shrubs here must survive snowstorms.

Bush Varieties for East North Central States

There are plenty of options for deciduous shrubs native to the upper and eastern Midwest. These are best suited to the region’s conditions. You may also choose varieties that are not native but from regions of the world with a similar climate. Options include:

• Black chokecherry - For spectacular fall color, consider the black chokecherry variety. It’s good for wet areas of a yard and will help control erosion.
• Common elderberry - A native shrub, common elderberry grows easily in the region and attracts a lot of wildlife with its tasty berries.
• Dogwood - Several varieties of dogwood grow in this region. They have pretty spring flowers but also winter interest from the colored stems of some varieties.
• Forsythia - This is not a native species, but it is now common in the region. Often used as a hedge or in natural areas, forsythia produces a wild spray of bright yellow flowers in early spring.
• Hydrangea - A spectacular flowering shrub all summer and into the fall, hydrangea is non-native but grows easily in most parts of the region.
• Lilac - Common lilac is a native shrub that grows tall and wide and can be used as a hedge. Most gardeners choose it for the pretty, sweet-smelling flowers.
• Ninebark - This is a native shrub that produces spring flowers and needs full sun. Ninebark is hardy all the way to zone 2.
• Serviceberry - Serviceberry is native and will tolerate some shade. Fall color is impressive and the berries are edible on this taller shrub. A variety called running serviceberry grows low and can be used as a hedge.
• Sumac - Several varieties of sumac are native to the area and provide spectacular, deep red fall color in the leaves and fruit. They can tolerate dry soil and are easy to grow.

After a long, hot summer, cooler autumn temperatures can bring much awaited relief and a noticeable time of change in the garden. As the days begin to shorten, ornamental grasses and flowering plants take on new beauty. While perennial flowering plants begin prepping for winter dormancy, there are still endless options to choose from for extended bloom in the fall season.

If you’re growing fall flowers in the Midwest region, it may require some planning, but you’ll be rewarded with a profusion of cool season blooms.

Growing Autumn Flowers

Growing autumn flowers will require some forethought. Among the best candidates for fall blooming flowers are ornamental shrubs and late blooming perennials. Since these plants may require several growing seasons to become established, the creation of beautiful fall ornamental gardens will require patience. Once allowed to mature, shrubs and flowers that bloom in fall can become stunning late season focal points in the landscape.

When planning for fall flowers in the Midwest, consider plants which have highly ornamental foliage, or which produce various types of decorative seed pods or berries.

Perennial wildflowers are also a popular choice for the Midwest fall flower garden due to their late season bloom time and natural hardiness. These perennial flowers may also prove to be effective in attracting native wildlife by providing much needed resources, such as food and shelter.

There are also many annual flowers that bloom in the fall. Growing annual flowers from seed will allow growers to create beautiful spaces while maintaining a budget. Not only are annual plants cost effective, but they also allow for greater diversity among plantings. Midwest fall flower gardens using annuals will need to be planted outside by midsummer in order to ensure bloom at the appropriate time. If you’ve already missed the boat, there’s always next season and it's never too late to start planning.

As the fall foliage begins to change color, so too does the garden’s color palette. For this reason, many growers find themselves naturally drawn to shades of yellow, orange, and red. Growing autumn flowers that naturally occur in these shades can help create lush, colorful fall borders.

Plants for the Midwest Fall Flower Garden

• Amaranth
• Aster
• Black Eyed Susan
• Chrysanthemum
• Coreopsis
• Cosmos
• Dahlias
• Dusty Miller
• Goldenrod
• Helenium
• Hydrangea
• Ornamental Kale
• Ornamental Peppers
• Pansy
• Sedum
• Sorghum
• Sunflowers
• Sweet Alyssum
• Verbena
• Viburnum

September garden tasks for Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa are varied during this seasonal transition. From getting the most out of the vegetable garden to taking care of the lawn and preparing for colder months, there is much to do in September in the upper Midwest.

Vegetable Gardening To-Do List for September

This is one of the best months of the year in the upper Midwest for vegetable gardeners. You’ve been harvesting all summer, but now is the big payoff. Here’s what to do now to harvest, extend, and prepare for winter:

• Thin any seedlings you started last month for a fall harvest.
• Early in the month you can still get away with starting some cool weather veggies like chard, kale, spinach, and radishes.
• Harvest garlic and onions once the tops have turned yellow and fallen.
• Potatoes and winter squashes may also be ready depending on exactly where you are in the region. Dry and cure before storing for the winter.
• Harvest and preserve the last of your herbs before the first frost destroys them.
• Keep an eye on the weather and cover up warm-season veggies that remain if an early frost is on its way.
• Collect and store seeds for next year.

September Lawn Care

This is a great time in the region to take care of your lawn and prepare for lusher, greener turn in the spring:

• Keep watering through the end of the month if rain is scarce.
• Dethatch or aerate the lawn if it’s been a few years.
• Seed bare spots or a thin lawn as needed.
• Water new grass daily to get it started.
• Use a broadleaf weed control if necessary.

Tree, Shrub, and Perennial Care

Upper Midwest gardening in September is the right time for maintenance of your perennials, trees, and shrubs:

• With cooler weather and more rain, now is the best time to put in new trees or shrubs. Water regularly to get roots established.
• Certain trees take well to fall pruning including birch, black walnut, honey locust, maple, and oak.
• Divide perennials that need it.
• If you have tender perennials or bulbs, dig them up and bring them in for storage until warmer weather arrives again.

Other September Garden Chores

Once the big jobs are done, consider some additional chores before the month is out:

• Keep annuals going as long as possible with fertilizer, deadheading, and trimming.
• Put out hardier annuals like mums and pansies.
• Clean up beds, removing dead plant material and leaves.
• Start planting bulbs for spring flowers.
• Bring in any houseplants that have been enjoying summer outside.

Planning a shade garden in the Midwest is tricky. Plants must be adaptable to various conditions, depending on the region. Harsh winds and hot, humid summers are common, but so are freezing winters, especially in the North. Most of the area falls within USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 6.

Midwest Shade Plants:

Choosing shade tolerant plants for Midwest regions covers a wide range of zones and growing conditions. The good news is that you can choose from a diverse variety of plants that will thrive in a Midwest shade garden. Below are a few possibilities.

• Toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta): Shade plants for the Midwest include this showy perennial that produces green, lance-shaped leaves and unique orchid-like blooms of pink, white, or variegated with purple spots. Toad lily is suitable for full or partial shade and grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8.
• Scarlet pearl snowberry (Symphoricarpos ‘Scarlet Bloom’): Shows off pale pink blooms throughout most of the summer. The flowers are followed by large, pink berries that provide sustenance for wildlife into the winter months. This snowberry grows in partial shade to full sun in zones 3 to 7.
• Spiky foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Spiky foamflower is a hardy, clump forming perennial appreciated for the spikes of sweet smelling pinkish white blooms. The maple-like leaves, which turn mahogany in autumn, often display showy red or purple veins. This low growing native is one of the loveliest shade tolerant plants for Midwest gardens, zones 3 to 9.
• Wild ginger (Asarum canadense): Also known as heart snakeroot and woodland ginger, this ground hugging woodland plant has dark green, heart-shaped leaves. Brownish purple, bell-shaped wildflowers are tucked among the leaves in spring. Wild ginger, which likes full or partial shade, spreads via rhizomes, suitable in zones 3 to 7.
• Siberian forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla): Also known as Siberian bugloss or largeleaf brunnera, displays heart-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny, sky blue blooms in late spring and early summer. Siberian forget-me-not grows in full to partial shade in zones 2 to 9.
• Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides): A bushy annual that thrives in partial shade, coleus isn’t a good choice for heavy shade because it becomes leggy without a little sunlight. Also known as painted nettle, it is available with leaves in nearly every color of the rainbow, depending on the variety.
• Caladium (Caladium bicolor): Also known as angel wings, caladium plants sport large, arrowhead-shaped leaves of green splashed and splotched with white, red, or pink. This annual plant provides a bright splash of color to Midwest shade gardens, even in heavy shade.
• Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia): Midwest shade plants also include sweet pepperbush, a native shrub also known as summersweet or poor man’s soap. It produces fragrant and nectar rich, rose-pink blooms from mid to late summer. Dark green leaves that turn an attractive shade of golden yellow in autumn. Thrives in wet, swampy areas and tolerates partial sun to full shade.

Every yard needs a shade tree or two and North Central Midwest gardens are no exception. Large, canopied trees provide more than just shade though. They also give a sense of time, permanency, and lushness. North Central shade trees come in many different species and varieties so you can choose the best ones for your yard. 

Shade Trees for North Central States

Some trees that make good shade in the North Central regions are those native to the area. Others are not native but aren’t considered invasive and can thrive in this climate. Choices for northern shade trees in the North Central U.S. include:

• Buckeye: This smaller shade tree, buckeye grows to about 35 feet (11 m.) in height, is a good choice for cold icy winters as it tolerates road salt. Look for ‘Autumn Splendor,’ a cultivar with showy, deep red fall foliage.
• American hop-hornbeam: Hop-hornbeam gets its name from its fruits that resemble hops, the flower used to flavor beer. This tree grows up to about 40 feet (12 m.) and prefers moist soil.
• White oak: This native oak species is a great choice if you’re looking for height. White oak will grow up to 80 feet (24 m.) tall. Growth rate, however, is slow so be patient.
• Sugar maple: For fall color it’s hard to beat a sugar maple, which turns bright orange to red or yellow. These trees can grow up to 80 feet (24 m.) but are generally closer to 60 feet (18 m.) tall at maturity.
• Horse chestnut: This is an upright to rounded shade tree with large leaves. Horse chestnut trees also produces showy flowers in white or pink in spring.
• Ginkgo: Ginkgo trees grow to about 40 feet (12 m.) high. They are ancient trees with unique, fan shaped leaves unlike those of any other tree. Fall color is a stunning gold and most cultivars are male. The female gingko produces berries with a potent and unpleasant smell.
• Honey locust: A good choice for near streets, honey locust produces very small leaves that won’t block storm drains. Look for varieties without thorns.

Choosing the Right Shade Trees in the Northern U.S.

While there are several trees that do well in the North Central region, there are a lot of variations and not every tree will be the right choice for every yard. Some species to avoid are those that have been devastated by disease or pests such as American elm and ash. Otherwise, the choice should match your needs in a tree and your local environment.

One of the most important considerations in a shade tree is size. You need to match the tree to the space you have and find a spot where it can grow to its full height. Also, choose a tree that matches your hardiness zone and doesn’t require more maintenance than you are able or willing to provide.

Finally, choose species that do well with the type of soil you have whether it’s rocky, sandy, acidic, dry, or wet.

August gardening tasks in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa are all about maintenance. There’s weeding and watering still to do but also harvesting and preparing for the end of the growing season. Take this time to make sure your garden lasts as long as possible into the fall.

Upper Midwest Gardening

August in upper Midwest states may include blistering hot days, dry spells, as well as cooler days. The August weather can be pretty different from one year to the next. In the garden, this means that there are standard tasks to do, but you may also have to pivot and change plans as needed.

This is the time of year when much of your hard work has come to fruition. There are vegetables and herbs to harvest and a flush of late summer flowers. While most work is maintenance right now, this is also a good time to put in any new trees and shrubs. Planting them now means they have time to develop roots without the stress of the heatwaves and droughts common in July.

To-Do List for Gardeners in the Upper Midwest

For your upper Midwest garden, think maintenance and preparation for fall and winter. In the vegetable garden:

• Harvest ripe veggies and fruits to keep production going.
• Preserve your harvest as needed by freezing or canning.
• Put in transplants for fall crops, including cabbage and kale.
• Deadhead herbs to promote ongoing production of tasty leaves.
• Fertilize vegetables once in August.
• Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases.

Keep up with deadheading of perennials and do some end-of-season maintenance:

• Divide and transplant any perennials that need it.
• Stake taller flowers if they’re beginning to droop.
• Check for diseases and remove any leaves that look damaged.
• Put in fall perennials, like mums and asters, toward the end of the month.
• Later in the month, start cutting back on deadheading. Let some flowers stay for reseeding.

Other gardening tasks to do right now include your lawn and grass as well as trees and shrubs. The end of the month, or even into early September, is a good time to fertilize the lawn. August is also a good time to grow grass. If you have any patches to fill with seed, now is the time. If your lawn needs aeration, do it now.

If you have any summer blooming shrubs, you can prune them in August. Do not prune others. Plant new trees, shrubs, and perennials at this time as well.

Perennial vines are popular in gardens for a number of reasons. Most produce lovely flowers, many with blooms that attract pollinators. They are generally low maintenance but provide impact when trained on walls, fences, arbors, gazebos, and other garden structures. They also provide privacy screens. There are many North Central vines you can choose from if you live in this region.

Choosing Vines for North Central States

When growing vines in the North and Central states of the U.S., it’s best to choose those that are native or that at least will not become invasive and overgrown if non-native. For example, honeysuckle is a pretty, sweet smelling vine with flowers pollinators love, but be sure not to choose the highly invasive and damaging Japanese honeysuckle. Here are some other native and non-invasive options:

• Sweet pea: This pretty and vigorous vine produces delicate white, pink, and lavender flowers and can grow up to 12 feet (4 m.) high. Sweet pea thrives in full sun and tolerates drought.
• Clematis: One of the most popular of flowering vines, clematis comes in different varieties and colors. ‘Roguchi’ will bloom from June through September. Clematis is fine in partial shade and needs a lot of organic material in the soil.
• Climbing hydrangea: This vine has both beautiful foliage and flowers. Be patient, though, as climbing hydrangea may take a few years to establish and bloom. This is a root climber that can grow up a wall.
• American Wisteria: American Wisteria is a stunning native vine, especially for an arbor or trellis because of the flowers. They grow in grape-like clusters and look elegant and whimsical when hanging down from overhead.
• Hops: The hops vine is grown for beer making but the unique, cone-like flowers and tall, quick growth also make this a good choice for the home garden. It will create a privacy screen in no time but does need to be cut down to the ground each year before new spring growth starts.

Growing Vines in Northern States

Before choosing North Central vines, be aware of how they climb. Some types climb by sending out roots to grab onto and climb up a wall easily. A twining vine, such as wisteria, needs a structure to grow around like a fence or arbor. Matching vine to structure is essential for success.

All growing conditions, such as soil type, water needs, and fertilizing, will vary depending on the vine, so do some research before selecting vines.

Most vines will benefit from trimming and pruning to keep them healthy and to maintain a reasonable size and shape. Prune vines in the late winter or early spring if they bloom on new wood or need rejuvenation. Vines that bloom on old wood can be pruned after flowering.

Perennials are the staple of the flower garden. Without these plants you would constantly be putting in annuals everywhere. For best results, choose perennials that are native to your region or that thrive under your local conditions. For the North Central region of the U.S., there are several options to choose from, both native and non-native.

Perennials for Northern Gardens

Perennials in North Central states like North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois must be able to survive long, cold winters and hot summers. Between native plants that naturally thrive in this region and others that grow in similar climates around the world, there are plenty of options to choose from:

• Purple coneflower: Also known as Echinacea, this is a solid and reliable perennial great for beginner to advanced gardeners. They are largely trouble free and produce large, purple flowers with cone-shaped centers in the summer.
• Black-eyed Susan: Black-eyed Susan is another popular and striking flower. The sunny yellow, daisy-like blooms cheer up any bed or natural meadow. They will bloom through summer and into early fall.
• Daylily: Daylilies are low maintenance and come in a number of colors and thrive in the Midwest. You’ll even find them growing along roadways throughout the region.
• Butterfly weed: This is another low maintenance plant that will thrive in your sunny beds. Butterfly weed produces cheerful, bright orange and yellow flowers, attracts pollinators, and is not tasty to deer.
• Queen of the prairie: This striking perennial tolerates moist soil so it can be used in some of your low-lying beds or in rain gardens. The small pink flowers of queen of the prairie grow in dense clusters that give off a delicious fragrance.
• Hostas: Although they produce flowers, hostas are known more for their varied and pretty foliage. You can find varieties that are solid, lime green, striped, and that are massive or diminutive. These easy plants grow well in partial shade.
• False indigo: False indigo or Baptisia is a tough plant that doesn’t need much support or maintenance. It is native to the prairies and produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers reminiscent of lupine. These flowers will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
• Woodland phlox: Create a pretty carpet of flowers with woodland phlox. The flowers can range from blue to lilac to pink.

Planting and Growing North Central Perennials

You can plant your cold-tolerant perennial flowers in spring or early summer. Dig and turn over the soil in the bed or planting area first, amending it if necessary, to ensure the spot will drain well and is fertile enough.

After planting the perennials, consider putting down mulch to control weeds and keep moisture in the soil during the hot summer months. Different plants will have different watering needs, but many perennials, once established, only need watering when rain is scarce.

Ongoing maintenance for most perennials includes deadheading (removing spent flowers), adding fertilizer once or twice a year, weeding around the plants, and staking plants that are tall and need extra support.

July in the Upper Midwest garden is a busy time. This is the hottest month of the year and often dry, so watering is essential. This is also when the gardening to-do list includes a lot of maintenance of plants and even preparation for fall veggies.

Upper Midwest Gardening in July

Drought conditions are typical in July in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, so it’s important to keep on top of watering. Some annuals may need water once or even twice a day. Native plants are usually tolerant of the local conditions. Grass, if you don’t want it to go dormant, should be watered regularly.

Your flowering annuals can also benefit from fertilizer throughout the month, as soon as the blooms begin to show. July is the time to fertilize the lawn for the second time of the growing season.

As your garden thrives in the middle of the summer, so too will weeds. Keep on weeding and pulling to keep your beds under control. Right now, this may be a daily chore.

There is also a lot of maintenance work to be done on your perennials, flowers, and shrubs in July. Deadheading of flowers will help keep them blooming longer, for instance. Some other tasks to do include taking cuttings of flowering shrubs, trimming older canes on climbing roses and raspberries, and dividing daylilies and irises.

July Garden Tasks in the Vegetable Patch

Although most of your plants already will be in the ground, there are still tasks for the vegetable garden right now. Mid-July is about the right time to start direct seeding veggies for a fall harvest, including lettuces, kale, spinach, onions, turnips, and beets.

Start the harvest of all veggies as needed throughout July to encourage more production. Remove plants that have bolted in the heat.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

As with weeds, it’s important to stay on top of pest and disease damage. Check on the most vulnerable plants daily. Some of the more common problems you may encounter in the upper Midwest garden include:

• Tomato leaf spot diseases – Remove leaves as signs of infection appear.
• Bacterial wilt on cucurbits – Manage cucumber beetles with organic pest control.
• Squash vine borer – Prevent infestation by covering lower stems where the insects lay eggs.
• Cabbage worm – Use a floating row cover or dust or spray cruciferous vegetables with a biological control.
• Blossom end rot on tomatoes – Keep plants mulched and soil moist.

Of course, don’t forget to enjoy your garden in July. This is a great time to enjoy warm evenings outdoors, reveling in all you have grown this year.

East North Central lawns in states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have long been green turf grass. Have you ever considered an alternative though? Native lawns, meadows, and pollinator gardens are popular alternatives that are gaining ground and homeowners realize all the benefits of ditching traditional grass.

Why Choose Alternatives to Grass in Upper Midwest States?

Turf grass looks nice and feels good on bare feet. It’s ideal for sports and other games, but there are drawbacks as well. Turf lawns require a lot of maintenance to look good and be healthy. It drains resources, especially water, and is not ideal for native wildlife.

Some great reasons to consider alternatives to grass for your upper Midwest lawn include:

• Using less water
• Avoiding pesticides and fertilizers
• Spending less time on maintenance
• Attracting pollinators
• Attracting native species of insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles
• Enjoying natural beauty and plants well adapted to your local environment

Alternative Lawn Options for East North Central States

There are several options for upper Midwest lawn alternatives. In fact, just replacing half of your turf grass with an alternative, or multiple different types of plants, will make a difference and give you a more interesting and sustainable yard. 

One alternative to consider is different types of grasses, including native species. Use a mix of warm and cool season groundcover grasses so you will have green from spring through fall.

Native warm grasses include:

• Blue grama
• Buffalo grass
• Side oats grama

Cool season grasses include:

• Western wheatgrass
• Streambank wheatgrass
• Thickspike wheatgrass
• Green needlegrass

A meadow lawn is another great alternative. Mix together native grasses and native wildflowers for a natural look and to attract pollinators. Wildflowers native to the region include:

• Wild geranium
• Joe-pye weed
• Milkweed
• Purple coneflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Blazing star
• Smooth blue aster
• False indigo
• Arrowhead
• Cardinal flower
• Daisy fleabane
• Prairie coreopsis

Finally, groundcovers can make for a lovely alternative to turf grass. Choose varieties that tolerate shade or need sun based on your lawn. Some are native and some are not but both do well in this region:

• White clover
• Sedum
• Creeping thyme
• Sedge
• Wild ginger
• Wintergreen
• Bearberry
• Ajuga

An alternative lawn can easily start to look sloppy and a neat and tidy turf grass lawn is certainly appealing. The best way to do a native or alternative yard is with good planning and a mix of plant types. For instance, turn one section into a native meadow but keep flower beds with annuals and perennials. Or replace areas of turf with a few patches of groundcover.

Michigan is a state that truly has all four seasons. From the depths of a cold and snowy winter to the 90-degree days of summer, we see it all. The summer months can get very hot in Michigan, and not all flowers can stand up to the heat. As an additional challenge, summer days here can be wet and muggy, or part of a drought.

Perennial Flowers for Michigan Summers

The best heat tolerant summer flowers to plant in Michigan are native. These perennials evolved to grow in the state’s summer weather and require less care and watering than non-native species.

• Wild lupine – Growing up to 3 feet (1 m.) tall with striking blue spikes of flowers, lupine plants thrive in dry, sandy soil. It is also the only plant to host the caterpillar of the Karner blue butterfly, a threatened native species.
• Milkweed – This native is a host for monarch butterflies and produces tall stalks of cream-to-pink flowers. The late summer seed pods of milkweed are also attractive.
• Purple coneflower – Also known as echinacea, this tall, striking purple flower is a favorite feeding site for goldfinches and other birds.
• Blue false indigo – Growing up to 4 feet (1 m.), false indigo, or baptisia plants, grow in mounds with pretty, purple flowers. They are rabbit resistant.
• Four o’clock – The wild Mirabilis nyctaginea is native to Michigan and blooms on hot, summer afternoons. Four o’clock flowers have clusters of small pink or purple blooms.
• Rough blazing star – This native is unusual in that it blooms from the top down. It produces purple spikes of flowers. Look for wild, not cultivated, species of blazing star.
• Solomon’s seal – This is a great option for shady areas of the garden. The stalks of Solomon’s seal produce drooping, bell-shaped flowers.

Non-native perennials that do well in Michigan’s summer heat include sedum, yarrow, barrenwort, and hydrangea.

Best Annual Flowers for Hot Summers in Michigan

The best Michigan summer flowers may be native wildflowers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful annuals. These are usually plants that are perennial in their native ranges, much hotter climates, so they do well in hot summer months. Many of these do need a lot of watering and won’t tolerate drought well.

• Wax begonia – With characteristic waxy leaves, these annuals fill in hot shady spaces and begonias also do well in containers.
• Impatiens – Native to hot, humid climates, impatiens are pretty and thrive in shadier summer gardens. They do need a lot of water though.
• Nasturtium – Producing cheerful orange, yellow, and red edible blooms, nasturtium is an attractive trailing annual that does well in hot, dry locations.
• Verbena – Verbena comes in a wide range of colors and blooms reliably from spring through fall. They love full sun.
• Madagascar periwinkle – This is a tough plant that, once established, will tolerate drought and heat. Delicate flowers and glossy leaves make the Madagascar periwinkle an attractive groundcover in partial shade.

For many gardeners in the upper Midwest states, June is the best time of the year. The weather is reliably warm, the garden is in full swing, and there is plenty of work to do. June gardening tasks in the upper Midwest region are many, but this is also a great time to enjoy the bounty of the garden and warm summer days.

What Upper Midwest Gardening Looks Like in June

By June in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, the final frost has passed, and summer is in full swing. Temperatures are rising, the garden is blooming and growing, and it’s not so late in the growing season yet that drought has become an issue.

Your garden to-do list in June will be long and varied. The most important thing to remember this month though is to get on top of chores. If you don’t get started on things like weed pulling and other types of maintenance, your garden can get out of control quickly.

Also, don’t forget to enjoy your garden now. The weather throughout this month is often just right for relaxing outdoors. It’s also a good time of year for entertaining. Show off your hard work and have the neighbors over for a barbecue or outdoor cocktail party.

What to Do in June in the Upper Midwest

Exactly when you get each of these chores done will depend on where you are in the region. In northern Minnesota, for instance, you will be a little behind, while in southern Iowa you may be a little ahead of this list. Of course, some chores should be done throughout the month.

Week One

• It should be safe now to transplant all seedlings you began indoors.
• Begin fertilizing your lawn.
• Depending on rain levels, begin watering the lawn.
• Fertilize bulbs and perennials.
• Thin vegetables you seeded in the ground in May.
• Continue weeding beds.
• Prune spring-flowering shrubs once the blooms are spent.
• Move overwintered houseplants outdoors.

Week Two

• Begin pinching back annuals as they grow to 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.). This will encourage fuller growth.
• Water beds as needed.
• Begin second rounds of succession vegetable plantings.

Week Three

• Plant warm weather vegetables outdoors, including eggplant, peppers, and late potatoes.
• Harvest early season fruits and veggies, like strawberries, raspberries, peas, radishes, and lettuces.
• Protect berries from birds using netting if necessary.
• Cut back strawberry plants once harvested.
• Mulch flower beds.

Week Four

• Fertilize rose bushes after first blooming.
• Stake and support vegetables like tomatoes and tall flowers.
• Keep an eye out for summer pests and treat plants as needed. These include aphids, flea beetles, leafhoppers, potato beetles, cucumber beetles, and spider mites.
• Look for signs of fungal disease and thin out plants as needed to improve air flow.

Frigid winters, late spring frosts, and an overall shorter growing season makes growing fruit trees in the upper northern U.S. region challenging. The key is to understand which types of fruit trees and what cultivars to plant for successful fruit production.

Types of Fruit for North Central Regions

The best types of fruit trees to plant in upper northern U.S. regions include apples, pears, plums and sour cherries. These types of fruit trees originated in the mountains of Central Asia where cold winters are the norm. Apples, for instance, grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7, but several varieties can be successfully cultivated in zone 3.

Depending upon your hardiness zone, gardeners may also be able to grow other types of fruit trees in North Central states. Several varieties of peaches and persimmons can be safely grown in USDA zone 4. Apricots, nectarines, sweet cherries, medlars, mulberries and pawpaws may periodically produce fruit further north, but zone 5 is usually recommended for yearly fruit production from these trees. 

Varieties of North Central Fruit Trees

Successfully growing fruit trees in the upper northern U.S. region is dependent upon choosing cultivars which will be winter hardy in USDA zones 3 and 4. Consider these varieties when selecting north central fruit trees.

Apples

To improve fruit set, plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination. When planting grafted fruit trees, the rootstock will also need to meet your USDA hardiness requirements.

• Cortland
• Empire
• Gala
• Honeycrisp
• Liberty
• McIntosh
• Pristine
• Redfree
• Regent
• Spartan
• Stark Earliest

Pears

Two cultivars are needed for cross-pollination of pears. Several varieties of pears are hardy in USDA zones 4. These include:

• Flemish Beauty
• Golden Spice
• Gourmet
• Luscious
• Parker
• Patten
• Summercrisp
• Ure

Plums

Japanese plums are not cold hardy for northern regions, but several varieties of European plums can withstand a USDA zone 4 climate:

• Mount Royal
• Underwood
• Waneta

Sour Cherries

Sour cherries bloom later than sweet cherries, which are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7. These sour cherry varieties can be grown in USDA zone 4:

• Mesabi
• Meteor
• Montmorency
• North Star
• Suda Hardy

Peaches

Peaches do not require cross-pollination; however, choosing two or more varieties can extend the harvest season. These peach cultivars can be grown in USDA zone 4:

• Contender
• Intrepid
• Reliance

Persimmons

Many commercial varieties of persimmons are only hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. American persimmons are native species which are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. Yates is a good variety to look for.

Choosing winter-hardy cultivars is the first step to successfully growing fruit trees in North Central states. General principles of orchard husbandry give young transplants the best opportunity for survival and optimize fruit production in mature trees.

May tasks in upper Midwest gardening should keep you busy all month long. This is a crucial time for planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, and more. Enjoy the first days and weeks of beautiful weather for the year in this region and know what your garden needs now.

May in the Upper Midwest

From May 4 in Grand Rapids to May 11 in Green Bay, and as late as May 25 in International Falls, this is the month of last frosts in upper Midwest states. It’s time to enjoy spring blooms and get down to the real work of making sure your garden will thrive throughout the growing season. Upper Midwest gardening in May results in big payoffs for the following months.

May Gardening To-Do List

May gardening tasks in the upper Midwest include a wide range of activities that can be roughly broken down by week. Of course, there is some variation depending on the exact location, but, generally, in the first week of May you can:

• Aerate the lawn
• Prepare the soil in beds
• Harden off transplants by putting them outdoors during the day
• Start seeds for warm weather plants
• Sow seeds outdoors for cool weather plants
• Clean up perennials

During week two you can:

• Transplant frost tolerant vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and Brussels sprouts
• Clean up perennials
• Fertilize perennials and roses
• Mow the lawn if necessary

For the third week of May:

• Directly sow seeds for corn, beans, watermelon, pumpkin, and winter squash
• Remove spent flowers from spring bulbs, but leave foliage in place
• Plant strawberries
• Plant annuals

In week four, you can:

• Transplant warm season veggies
• Plant annuals
• Prune any flowering trees or shrubs that have finished blooming
• Fertilize the lawn

Throughout May it is important to check plants for signs of pests or diseases. Catching them early will help you better control any infestations or infections.

Pollinators in east-north-central states of the upper Midwest are an essential part of the native ecosystem. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, ants, wasps, and even flies help carry pollen from plant to plant.

Many would not exist without these pollinators. For gardeners, whether you grow fruits and vegetables or you just want to support the local ecosystem, it’s important to use native plants to attract and keep pollinators.

What are the Native Pollinators in Upper Midwest States?

Bees are some of the most important pollinators anywhere including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa. Some of the native bees in the region include:

• Cellophane bees
• Yellow faced bees
• Mining bees
• Sweat bees
• Mason bees
• Leafcutter bees
• Digger bees
• Carpenter bees
• Bumblebees

While all bees are important for most food growing, there are other animals and insects native to the area that pollinate plants too. These include pollinating insects like ants, wasps, beetles, moths, and butterflies as well as hummingbirds and bats.

Growing Native Gardens for Pollinators

Upper Midwest pollinators are most drawn to the native plants of the region. These are the flowering plants they evolved to feed on and pollinate. By including them in your yard, you can help some of the struggling species by providing much-needed food. As a bonus, native gardens require fewer resources and less time for maintenance.

Plan your garden to include many of these native upper Midwest plants and you’ll have a healthier local environment that supports native pollinators:

• Wild geranium
• False indigo
• Serviceberry
• Pussy willow
• Joe-pye weed
• Milkweed
• Catmint
• Blueberry
• Purple coneflower
• Swamp rose
• Prairie blazing star
• Stiff goldenrod
• Smooth blue aster

Upper Midwest gardening really starts to get going in April. The seeds have been started for the vegetable garden, bulbs are blooming, and now it’s time to start thinking about the rest of the growing season. Add these things to your garden to-do list for April.

April Gardening Tasks for the Upper Midwest

If you’re itching to get your hands in the dirt and on plants, April is a good time to get started on several important growing chores.

• April is the perfect time in this region to use a pre-emergent weed killer. You can apply these products to beds to keep weeds down throughout the growing season. Get your vegetable garden ready now. Whether you’re building new raised beds or using existing beds, now is the time to prepare the soil.
• You can also start your cooler season veggies including onions, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, radishes, and spinach.
• Roses love to be fed, and April is the right time for their first feeding of the year along with a little pruning.
• Put in your cool season annuals. Pansies, lobelia, and violas are hardy enough to put in beds or containers now.
• Divide and transplant any perennials that need thinning or moving. One task you should wait on is mulching beds. Wait until May for the soil to warm up some more.

April Garden Maintenance Tips

While the active growing season is really getting underway, enough has grown at this point that it’s already time to start maintenance chores.

• Tidy up spring bulbs by clipping off the spent flowers. Let the leaves stay in place until they begin to brown. This is important for collecting energy for next year’s bloom. Those bulb leaves don’t look great, so put in some annuals to hide them.
• Cut back last year’s perennials if you haven’t done so already. Wait to prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until they are done blooming.
• Get your lawn mower and edge trimmer ready for the season with oil changes, air filters, and other upkeep.
• If you have a decorative pond, do a spring cleaning by dredging it. You can put the material in a compost pile.

Growing conifers in North Central states is natural. There are several native species including different types of pine, spruce, and fir. Coniferous trees that thrive in this region provide year-round greenery and privacy screening.

They can grow quite tall and, with good care and time, will become striking focal points in your yard or garden.

North Central Coniferous Plants

There are many different types of northern conifers to choose from when planning for your yard and garden. Here are some options for native species and non-native trees that grow well in this region:

• Concolor fir: Also known as white fir, this tree has foliage similar to that of blue spruce. Needles are short and bluish-green. It is hardy to zone 4 and will tolerate alkaline soil.
• American arborvitae: This is a great species for privacy screening and hedging. It is a small-to-medium tree, and there are also dwarf cultivars of arborvitae to choose from.
• Rocky Mountain juniper: This smaller juniper provides good wildlife habitat with food and cover. It is a pretty ornamental tree for smaller spaces.
• Siberian spruce: Siberian spruce is a large conifer that grows between 1 and 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) per year. The shape is upright and weeping and the needles have unique silvering on the undersides.
• Scotch pine: Popular as a Christmas tree, the Scotch pine is medium to large and grows in a pyramid when younger, becoming more rounded in shape as it ages. It has attractive, orange-brown, peeling bark and tolerates sandy soils.
• Bald cypress: This is a unique kind of conifer in that it is deciduous. Bald cypress sheds its needles each fall. This is a southern native, but is hardy to zone 4 and tolerates wet soils.

Avoid planting Colorado blue spruce. This tree has long been popular in the Midwest, but the species is in decline due to diseases. Similar alternatives include the concolor fir and some species of dwarf blue spruce.

Growing Northern Conifers

Conifers of the North and Central Region are varied but generally hardy in cold winters. When choosing the right trees for your yard, consider your specific hardiness zone, the maintenance requirements of the tree, and the size to which it will grow.

Make sure your choice is compatible with where you want to grow it and your ability or willingness to maintain and care for the tree. 

Most conifers do not need any fertilizer application, but after planting a new tree, it’s a good idea to mulch around the trunk. Water it deeply after planting and continue watering as necessary -when the soil is dry, about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) down – for the first few years. You may also need to stake your new tree until it is sturdy.

Once established with good roots, your conifer will need little to no maintenance.