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What can I grow here, and when?
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Wisconsin — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 3b (far north / Rhinelander area) to 5b (Milwaukee / Lake Michigan shore). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
3b (far north / Rhinelander area) to 5b (Milwaukee / Lake Michigan shore)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Southern WI loam is productive but may need potassium. Central sand needs compost and nitrogen. Northern WI soils are acidic — lime is essential. UW-Extension soil testing available through county offices.
Know your soil
Wisconsin soils vary north to south. Southern Wisconsin has productive silt loam and clay loam — highly agricultural. The central sand plains have light, well-draining sandy soils that need irrigation and organic matter. Northern Wisconsin has thin, acidic, rocky soils over glacial till. Milwaukee's Lake Michigan shoreline has heavy clay.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
Wisconsin Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
WI Checklists