LibGuides: UM-Flint Seed Library: Gardening Tips and Educational Resources

Hardiness Zones

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, displayed as 10-degree F zones and 5-degree F half zones.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Genesee County is solidly in the 6a zone, but check your zip code for local zone.

Garden Prepping and Seed Starting

Vegetable Gardening Tips & Seasonal Tasks
Some advice about gardening put together by our own staff.

Smart Gardening | MSU Extension
The goal is to equip gardeners with a “tool kit” of research-based knowledge to use immediately at home. Whether choosing plants, using garden chemicals, fertilizer or applying water, gardeners need to understand the long-term impacts on their communities.
Garden Planning Calendar | MSU Extension
Seed Starting Webinar from MSU Extension
Container Garden webinar from MSU
Crop-by-Crop Growing Guides | Seed Savers
From Arugula to Watermelon, these guides explain how to start seeds, plant, grow, store crops, and save seeds.

Planting Vegetables

Zone 6 – Vegetable Planting Calendar Guide | Urban Farmer
Knowing when to plant your vegetables will help ensure that you get a good harvest.
Gardening Resources from Edible Flint
Informational sheets on growing specific vegetables and more.
Crop-by-Crop Growing Guides | Seed Savers
From Arugula to Watermelon, these guides explain how to start seeds, plant, grow, store crops, and save seeds.

Planting Native Species

Native Plant List for Southern Lower Peninsula | MSU Extension
A list of about 50 plant species that are common to southern Lower Michigan.
Keystone Plant Guides | Homegrown National Park
Even if you don't have a full garden you can plant natives! Homegrown National Park has guides for planting keystone native species to help your local ecosystem, even if you are planting in containers.
Resources | Wild Ones
Helpful tips and resources about planting native habits in urban landscapes.

Germination Codes & Seed-Starting Basics for Native Plants
from Prairie Moon Nursery

Small Habitat Plantings in Urban Areas | Xerces Society
Pollinator habitat can be creatively incorporated into many parts of urban farms and community gardens. This handout gives examples of how to include these habitats in your garden.
Rethinking Lawns
Exploring lawn alternatives for biodiversity support, climate change resilience, and infrastructure improvements.

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A project by Rebecca Tonietto, UM-Flint Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Sciences.

Guest hours:
Mon-Fri, 12pm-5pm

UM-Flint Seed Library

Contact the UM-Flint Seed Library

Hardiness Zones

Garden Prepping and Seed Starting

Planting Vegetables

Planting Native Species