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Wisconsin Planting Guide & Growing Season

Wisconsin is in USDA hardiness zone 3b-5b with a growing season of 150 days. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the average first fall frost is Sep 30.

USDA Zone 3b-5b Hardiness zone
Last Frost May 5 Average spring
First Frost Sep 30 Average fall
Growing Season 150 days Short season

Growing Conditions in Wisconsin

USDA Hardiness Zone3b-5b
Average Last FrostMay 5
Average First FrostSep 30
Growing Season Length150 days

How Wisconsin Compares

Compare Wisconsin's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.

StateUSDA ZoneLast FrostFirst FrostSeason (days)
Wisconsin (WI) 3b-5bMay 5Sep 30150
Alabama (AL) 7a-8bMar 15Nov 5235
Alaska (AK) 1a-7bMay 30Sep 5100
Arizona (AZ) 4b-10bMar 1Nov 15260
Arkansas (AR) 6b-8aApr 1Oct 25210
California (CA) 4b-11aFeb 15Nov 30290

Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Wisconsin

When should I start seeds indoors in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the average last frost date is May 5. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Wisconsin is 3b-5b, with a growing season of approximately 150 days.

What USDA hardiness zone is Wisconsin?

Wisconsin falls in USDA hardiness zones 3b-5b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.

When is the first frost in Wisconsin?

The average first frost date in Wisconsin is Sep 30. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.

How long is the growing season in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has an average growing season of 150 days, from the last frost (May 5) to first frost (Sep 30). This shorter season requires starting many crops indoors and choosing quick-maturing varieties.

Plan Your Garden

Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.

Seed Starting Supplies

Everything you need to start seeds indoors.

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