Michigan Gardening Resources
Farm to School Northwest Michigan
Go Beyond Beauty: recommended nurseries for the Grand Traverse region which have committed to not selling high-threat invasive ornamental plants.
Michigan Flora Online Database: A searchable database of Michigan native plants developed by the University of Michigan Herbarium. Many plants have photos to help with identification.
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN): The goal of this regional resource is to assist both experts and citizen scientists in the detection and identification of invasive species in support of the successful management of invasive species.
Michigan Master Gardener Association (MMGA): This non-profit serves to ensure the Master Gardener program is successful by providing appropriate assistance and support, to local chapters and affiliates of the Association.
Monarch Watch: “Monarch butterfly populations are declining due to loss of habitat. To assure a future for monarchs, conservation and restoration of milkweed needs to become a national priority.” Chip Taylor, Director, Monarch Watch
Michigan Garden Hotline – 1-888-MSUE-4MI (1-888-678-3464) Answered weekdays between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 and 4 p.m. People who call during other times are directed to the “Ask an Expert” feature at www.migarden.msu.edu
Gardening in Michigan – MSUE gardening resources and tips for Michigan gardeners, from the first time vegetable gardener to more experienced gardeners with specific questions. Gardening questions may be submitted to MSU Gardening Experts through the eXtension Ask an Expert widget on the home page.
MSU Extension News for Agriculture – Features pertinent articles from more than 160 MSUE expert contributors throughout the state, submitted in a variety of categories, including animal agriculture, plant-based agriculture, the bio-economy, business, home and garden, and organic agriculture.
MSU Pest Management – MSU Extension offers resources to help people correctly identify pests—insects, weeds, plant diseases and other pests—and then choose an effective control when one is needed.
Michigan Natural Features Inventory – Mission: “To actively contribute to decisions that impact the conservation of biological and ecological diversity by collecting, analyzing, and communicating information about rare and declining plants and animals, and the array of natural communities and ecosystems native to Michigan.”
MSU Horticulture Department – Demonstration gardens and special events and programs open to the public.
MSU Soil Sciences Department – Analytical services on samples of soil, greenhouse growth media, composts, plant tissue, water and other materials used for growing plants.
MSU Turfgrass Science – Helping you manage your patch of lawn in an environmentally responsible, efficient manner.
MSU Native Plants and Ecosystem Services – Michigan State University entomologists have been testing Michigan native and other plants for these purposes and share their results with you through the recommendations at this website. Find out how to select and grow native plants on your farm, garden or community setting by following the links in our navigation.
MSU Michigan Pollinator Initiative
Deer Resistant Perennials – A list provided by Four Season Nursery of Traverse City, Michigan regarding perennials that “deer don’t eat”. Please note that while deer will tend to leave these plants alone, nothing in nature is perfect!
Deer resisant trees and shrubs – A list provided by Four Season Nursery of Traverse City, Michigan regarding perennials that “deer don’t eat”. Please note that while deer will tend to leave these plants alone, nothing in nature is perfect!
Gardening Library – This list has been compiled by Advanced Extension Master Gardener Cheryl Gross of MGANM. List topics include flower identification and culture, insects, growing a bird feeder, and landscaping with native plants
Gardening Website Database– This is a directory gardening websites in different categories that include Botany, Floriculture, Flower, Plant Tree, and Weed. On it you will find a handful of the most useful glossaries and databases.
DNR: Learn About Michigan Species