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Appleton, WI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Appleton usually comes around May 3 and the first fall frost around Oct 16, a growing season of about 166 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 22 – Apr 5 and plant them outside May 17 – May 31.

Last spring frostMay 3
First fall frostOct 16
Growing season166 days

When to plant vegetables in Appleton

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 22 – Apr 5May 17 – May 31—
PeppersMar 15 – Mar 29May 24 – Jun 7—
EggplantMar 15 – Mar 29May 24 – Jun 7—
Cucumbers—May 17 – May 31—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 17 – May 31—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 24 – Jun 7—
Green beans—May 17 – May 31Jul 24 – Aug 7
Sweet corn—May 17 – May 31—
BasilApr 5 – Apr 19May 17 – May 31—
LettuceMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 5 – May 17Aug 21 – Sep 4
Spinach—Mar 22 – Apr 12Aug 21 – Sep 4
Peas—Mar 22 – Apr 12Aug 7 – Aug 21
Carrots—Apr 5 – May 10Jul 24 – Aug 7
Radishes—Mar 29 – May 17Sep 4 – Sep 18
BroccoliFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 5 – Apr 19Jul 24 – Aug 7
KaleMar 8 – Mar 22Mar 29 – Apr 12Aug 7 – Aug 21
Onions—Apr 5 – Apr 19—
Potatoes—Apr 12 – May 10—
Garlic——Oct 2 – Nov 6

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Appleton. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Appleton

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  4. AprilStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Appleton?

The median last spring frost is May 3 and the median first fall frost is Oct 16, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Appleton?

Start seeds indoors Mar 22 – Apr 5 and set plants outside May 17 – May 31, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Appleton?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 16): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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