Milwaukee, WI Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Milwaukee

No planting windows from our rules fall in October; see the month-by-month list below.

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Apr 26, 50% risk), balanced = May 2 (30%), safe = May 12 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

A soil thermometer helps here. CSU recommends checking soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before sowing. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so instead of a date, each crop shows CSU's minimum soil temperature.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Milwaukee

What to plant in Milwaukee in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 14–28)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 14–28)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 28 – Mar 14)

What to plant in Milwaukee in March

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 14 – Apr 4)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 21 – Apr 4)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 28 – Mar 14)

What to plant in Milwaukee in April

• Start tomato seeds indoors (Apr 11–25)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 14 – Apr 4)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 21 – Apr 4)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 28)

What to plant in Milwaukee in May

• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 10–26)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 10–26)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 10–26)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 10–26)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 10–26)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 23 – Jun 6)
• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (May 30)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12 – May 12)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 26 – May 12)

What to plant in Milwaukee in June

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 12–26)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 23 – Jun 6)

What to plant in Milwaukee in July

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 11)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Jul 22)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Jul 26)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Jul 27)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Jul 31)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 31)

What to plant in Milwaukee in August

• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Aug 1)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Aug 15)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Aug 15)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Aug 25)

What to plant in Milwaukee in September

• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Sep 4)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Milwaukee

Very tender crop. Set tomatoes out about May 30, whichever risk level you go by. That date comes from CSU Extension's night rule (nights above 52°F): the average nightly low at Mount Mary College first rises above 52°F on May 30. CSU's other rule, at least 2 weeks after the average last frost, would allow about May 10 in Milwaukee. Sow seeds indoors Apr 11–25, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on May 30. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Mount Mary College climbs to 55°F on Jun 7. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for tomato plants is 65 days. Set out on May 30, they would start producing around Aug 3, 76 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18).

When to plant peppers in Milwaukee

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts peppers outside around May 10 (typical date), May 16 (balanced) or May 26 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4, 6–8 weeks ahead of transplanting on May 16. Below 55°F at night, fruit set suffers (CSU). At Mount Mary College, the normal low reaches 55°F on Jun 7. Using CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest, pepper plants set out on May 16 would start producing around Jul 25. That's 85 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18).

When to plant potatoes in Milwaukee

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting potatoes as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 45°F or warmer. For Milwaukee, that's roughly Apr 12–26 by the typical date or Apr 28 – May 12 by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says onions (dry, from sets) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Milwaukee, that's roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 going by the typical date, or Apr 14–28 going by the safer date.

When to plant peas in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says peas can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Milwaukee, that's roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 going by the typical date, or Apr 14–28 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 31, or by Jul 15 to be safe. That's 79 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says lettuce (leaf) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Milwaukee, that's roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 going by the typical date, or Apr 14–28 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Milwaukee

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says carrots can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Milwaukee, that's roughly Apr 12–26 going by the typical date, or Apr 28 – May 12 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 26, or by Jul 10 to be safe. That's 84 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beans (snap) in Milwaukee

Tender crop. CSU says to sow beans (snap) around the average last frost, about Apr 26 in Milwaukee. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 12. Seeds need soil of at least 55°F. For fall, sow by Jul 22 (Jul 6 to be safe), which is 88 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant summer squash in Milwaukee

Tender crop. Sow summer squash around the average last frost, per CSU: about Apr 26 in Milwaukee. Waiting until May 12 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, sow by Aug 1 (Jul 16 to be safe), which is 78 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. Per CSU, broccoli can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Milwaukee, that works out to roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 (typical date) or Apr 14–28 (safer date). CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for broccoli plants is 65 days. Set out on Apr 4, they would start producing around Jun 8, 132 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18). For a fall crop, set broccoli transplants out by Jul 31. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 18), using CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds Jun 12–26 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cabbage in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says cabbage can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Milwaukee, that's roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 going by the typical date, or Apr 14–28 going by the safer date. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for cabbage plants is 85 days. Set out on Apr 4, they would start producing around Jun 28, 112 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18). For a fall harvest of cabbage, get transplants in the ground by Jul 11 (UNL Extension count-back from the typical first frost, Oct 18, with CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest). To raise your own, sow seeds May 23 – Jun 6, 5–7 weeks ahead (CSU).

When to plant cauliflower in Milwaukee

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting cauliflower as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Milwaukee, that's roughly Apr 12–26 by the typical date or Apr 28 – May 12 by the safer date.

When to plant kohlrabi in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Milwaukee, that's roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 going by the typical date, or Apr 14–28 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 15, or by Jul 30 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says green onions can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 in Milwaukee using the typical date, or Apr 14–28 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. Per CSU, radishes can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Milwaukee, that works out to roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 (typical date) or Apr 14–28 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Sep 4, or by Aug 19 to be safe. That's 44 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 in Milwaukee using the typical date, or Apr 14–28 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, count back 54 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 25, or by Aug 9 to be safe.

When to plant turnips in Milwaukee

Hardy crop. Per CSU, turnips can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Milwaukee, that works out to roughly Mar 29 – Apr 12 (typical date) or Apr 14–28 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Aug 15, or by Jul 30 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Milwaukee

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, beets can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 12–26 in Milwaukee (typical date) or Apr 28 – May 12 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe.

When to plant swiss chard in Milwaukee

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting swiss chard as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Milwaukee, that's roughly Apr 12–26 by the typical date or Apr 28 – May 12 by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 5, or by Jul 20 to be safe.

When to plant parsnips in Milwaukee

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting parsnips as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 35°F or warmer. For Milwaukee, that's roughly Apr 12–26 by the typical date or Apr 28 – May 12 by the safer date.

When to plant sweet corn in Milwaukee

Tender crop. CSU says to sow sweet corn around the average last frost, about Apr 26 in Milwaukee. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 12. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Milwaukee

Tender crop. CSU says to sow cucumbers around the average last frost, about Apr 26 in Milwaukee. If you want only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, wait until May 12. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, sow by Jul 27 (Jul 11 to be safe), which is 83 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Milwaukee

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set eggplant out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 10 using the typical date, May 16 as a balanced choice, or May 26 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Apr 4, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on May 16. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for eggplant plants is 60 days. Set out on May 16, they would start producing around Jul 15, 95 days before the typical first frost (Oct 18).

When to plant cantaloupe in Milwaukee

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around May 10 at the earliest, May 16 as a balanced choice, or May 26 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Milwaukee

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to plant watermelon at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 10 using the typical date, May 16 as a balanced choice, or May 26 if you go by the safer 10% date. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Milwaukee

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant winter squash 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 10 (typical date), May 16 (balanced) or May 26 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Milwaukee?

Sow tomatoes indoors Apr 11–25 and peppers Mar 21 – Apr 4. We work back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Milwaukee?

About May 30, at every risk level. CSU wants tomatoes out 2+ weeks after the average last frost (that rule alone gives about May 10 here) and nights above 52°F. At Mount Mary College, the average nightly low first rises above 52°F on May 30, later than the frost-rule date, so the night rule sets the date.

What can I plant in Milwaukee in the fall?

Counting back from the typical first frost (Oct 18) with UNL Extension's method: peas by Jul 31; lettuce (leaf) by Aug 5; carrots by Jul 26; beans (snap) by Jul 22; summer squash by Aug 1; broccoli by Jul 31 (transplants); cabbage by Jul 11 (transplants); kohlrabi by Aug 15; green onions by Aug 5; radishes by Sep 4; spinach by Aug 25; turnips by Aug 15; beets by Aug 5; swiss chard by Aug 5; cucumbers by Jul 27.

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