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Madison, WI Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Madison usually comes around Apr 29 and the first fall frost around Oct 16, a growing season of about 170 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 and plant them outside May 13 – May 27.

Last spring frostApr 29
First fall frostOct 16
Growing season170 days

When to plant vegetables in Madison

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 18 – Apr 1May 13 – May 27—
PeppersMar 11 – Mar 25May 20 – Jun 3—
EggplantMar 11 – Mar 25May 20 – Jun 3—
Cucumbers—May 13 – May 27—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 13 – May 27—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 20 – Jun 3—
Green beans—May 13 – May 27Jul 24 – Aug 7
Sweet corn—May 13 – May 27—
BasilApr 1 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27—
LettuceMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 1 – May 13Aug 21 – Sep 4
Spinach—Mar 18 – Apr 8Aug 21 – Sep 4
Peas—Mar 18 – Apr 8Aug 7 – Aug 21
Carrots—Apr 1 – May 6Jul 24 – Aug 7
Radishes—Mar 25 – May 13Sep 4 – Sep 18
BroccoliFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 1 – Apr 15Jul 24 – Aug 7
KaleMar 4 – Mar 18Mar 25 – Apr 8Aug 7 – Aug 21
Onions—Apr 1 – Apr 15—
Potatoes—Apr 8 – May 6—
Garlic——Oct 2 – Nov 6

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

Month-by-month planting in Madison

  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 Madison?

The median last spring frost is Apr 29 and the median first fall frost is Oct 16, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Madison?

Start seeds indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 and set plants outside May 13 – May 27, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Madison?

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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