LawnWeather

La Crosse, WI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in La Crosse usually comes around Apr 20 and the first fall frost around Oct 25, a growing season of about 188 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23 and plant them outside May 4 – May 18.

Last spring frostApr 20
First fall frostOct 25
Growing season188 days

When to plant vegetables in La Crosse

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 9 – Mar 23May 4 – May 18—
PeppersMar 2 – Mar 16May 11 – May 25—
EggplantMar 2 – Mar 16May 11 – May 25—
Cucumbers—May 4 – May 18—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 4 – May 18—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 11 – May 25—
Green beans—May 4 – May 18Aug 2 – Aug 16
Sweet corn—May 4 – May 18—
BasilMar 23 – Apr 6May 4 – May 18—
LettuceFeb 23 – Mar 9Mar 23 – May 4Aug 30 – Sep 13
Spinach—Mar 9 – Mar 30Aug 30 – Sep 13
Peas—Mar 9 – Mar 30Aug 16 – Aug 30
Carrots—Mar 23 – Apr 27Aug 2 – Aug 16
Radishes—Mar 16 – May 4Sep 13 – Sep 27
BroccoliFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 23 – Apr 6Aug 2 – Aug 16
KaleFeb 23 – Mar 9Mar 16 – Mar 30Aug 16 – Aug 30
Onions—Mar 23 – Apr 6—
Potatoes—Mar 30 – Apr 27—
Garlic——Oct 11 – Nov 15

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

Month-by-month planting in La Crosse

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  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

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How this works

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in La Crosse?

The median last spring frost is Apr 20 and the median first fall frost is Oct 25, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in La Crosse?

Start seeds indoors Mar 9 – Mar 23 and set plants outside May 4 – May 18, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in La Crosse?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 25): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

More from La Crosse