When to plant in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA hardiness zones 3b-5b. Average last spring frost: mid May. Average first fall frost: late September. This calendar is anchored to UW-Madison Extension's recommendations, with timing adjusted for the dominant climate zone of the state.
Wisconsin at a glance
| USDA hardiness zones | 3b-5b |
| Region | Midwest |
| Average last spring frost | mid May |
| Average first fall frost | late September |
| Primary Extension service | UW-Madison Extension |
What grows particularly well in Wisconsin
These are the crops, ornamentals, and trees UW-Madison Extension highlights as well-suited to Wisconsin's climate:
- cranberry
- apple
- sweet corn
- peony
- little bluestem
- butterfly weed
Wisconsin planting calendar
Dates are approximate and based on the dominant USDA zone for the state. For zone-specific timing, use the zone finder by ZIP code and frost date lookup tools.
Spring planting (after last frost: mid May)
Cool-season vegetables (start 2-6 weeks before last frost outdoors): lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, kale, broccoli transplants, cabbage transplants.
Warm-season vegetables (after last frost, soil 60F+): tomato transplants, pepper transplants, beans (direct sow), cucumbers, squash, melons. See the seed starting timeline tool for indoor start dates.
Annual flowers (after last frost): zinnia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Plant in spring after soil thaws but before summer heat. Best window in Wisconsin: 4-6 weeks after last frost.
Summer (June - August)
Maintenance season for most Wisconsin gardens. Mulch heavily, water deeply (1 inch per week), pinch back mums for fall bloom, hand-pull weeds, harvest summer vegetables. Plant fall vegetable starts indoors by mid-July.
Fall planting (before first frost: late September)
Cool-season vegetables (6-8 weeks before first frost): lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, broccoli, cabbage transplants. Per Penn State Extension, fall vegetable production can equal or exceed spring production with proper timing.
Spring-flowering bulbs: tulip, daffodil, allium, crocus, hyacinth. Plant 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. In Wisconsin: typically October-November.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Fall is the best planting season for woody plants in most of Wisconsin - cooler temperatures + autumn rains reduce transplant stress. Plant 6+ weeks before first hard freeze.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November. Harvest the following July.
Winter (December - February)
Most of Wisconsin is in dormancy. Tasks: order seeds, plan next year, dormant prune fruit trees (February), order bare-root plants for spring delivery. Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns.
Common Wisconsin challenges
Severe winters; short growing season; deer pressure; emerald ash borer; oak wilt; spotted lanternfly approaching; lake-effect snow in east. For region-specific guidance, see our Midwest regional gardening guide.
Where to get Wisconsin-specific advice
The most reliable source for local growing advice is your county Extension office. UW-Madison Extension has county offices that provide free soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, and growing recommendations specific to your microclimate.
Visit UW-Madison Extension for the office nearest you.
Related tools and guides
- Find your USDA zone by ZIP code
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seasonal care calendar by zone
- Seed starting timeline calculator
- Midwest regional gardening guide