State growing guide
Wisconsin Planting Guide
USDA Zone 4b/5a · Last frost May 10 · First frost Oct 3 · 146 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Wisconsin.
Frost Dates by City — Wisconsin
Average frost dates for major Wisconsin cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 5a | May 10 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
| Madison | 5a | May 10 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
| Green Bay | 5a | May 10 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
| Wausau | 4b | May 15 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 15) |
| Superior | 4a | May 20 | Sep 20 | ~2 wks after (May 20) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Wisconsin Gardeners
- Milwaukee and Madison transplant tomatoes mid-to-late May
- Choose short-season tomato varieties for reliable harvests
- Wisconsin summers can be hot — great for sweet corn and squash once they get going
Common Challenges in Wisconsin
- ⚠ Short growing season (140–160 days in southern WI)
- ⚠ Late May frosts possible every year in most of Wisconsin
- ⚠ Very cold winters kill most perennials that aren't rated Zone 4 or colder
Best Crops for Wisconsin
Sweet Corn Cranberries Tomatoes Peas Beans Potatoes Carrots Beets Winter Squash
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Wisconsin
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Wisconsin Gardening
What zone is Wisconsin?
Wisconsin ranges from Zone 3b (far north) to Zone 5b (southeastern corner). Milwaukee and Madison are Zone 5a, Wausau is Zone 4b, and the northernmost counties are Zone 3b.