Wisconsin, US

Planting calendar for Madison

Last frost around April 21, first frost around October 29: about 191 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 21
First frost: October 29
Frost-free days: 191

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Garlic

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Madison. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Madison, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsnip	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Radish	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Swiss chard	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Arugula	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Celery	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Pea	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Garlic	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Plant under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Not this month
Leek	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Scallion	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Broccoli	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brussels sprout	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Kale	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cilantro	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover
Rhubarb	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Plant under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors May 26 to Jun 20; Under cover Apr 28 to Jul 18

Sow outdoors: May 26 to Jun 20
Under cover: Apr 28 to Jul 18
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 26, ready around July 31.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 25 to Jun 20; Under cover Apr 27 to Jul 18

Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 20
Under cover: Apr 27 to Jul 18
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 25, ready around August 17.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 30 to Jun 25; Under cover May 2 to Jul 23

Sow outdoors: May 30 to Jun 25
Under cover: May 2 to Jul 23
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 30, ready around August 16.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 30 to Jun 20; Under cover May 2 to Jul 18

Sow outdoors: May 30 to Jun 20
Under cover: May 2 to Jul 18
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 30, ready around August 28.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 25 to Jul 5, and Jul 27 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 27 to Sep 17

Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jul 5, and Jul 27 to Aug 20
Under cover: Apr 27 to Sep 17
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 25, ready around June 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 25 to Jul 5, and Jul 27 to Aug 15; Under cover Apr 27 to Aug 15, and Aug 24 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jul 5, and Jul 27 to Aug 15
Under cover: Apr 27 to Aug 15, and Aug 24 to Sep 12
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 25, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 25 to Jun 25; Under cover Apr 27 to Jul 23

Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 25
Under cover: Apr 27 to Jul 23
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 25, ready around July 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 20 to Jun 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 3; Under cover Apr 22 to Aug 3, and Aug 24 to Aug 31

Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 3
Under cover: Apr 22 to Aug 3, and Aug 24 to Aug 31
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 20, ready around July 19.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 1; Under cover Mar 15 to Aug 29

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 1
Under cover: Mar 15 to Aug 29
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 15; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 15
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 12
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 23; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 23
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jul 21
First harvest: About 86 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around July 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 11, and Jul 15 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 10 to Oct 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 11, and Jul 15 to Sep 23
Under cover: Mar 10 to Oct 21
First harvest: About 18 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around April 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 2; Under cover Mar 10 to Jun 30

Plant outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 2
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jun 30
First harvest: About 65 days after planting. Planted on April 7, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 27
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 38 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 8 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 23; Under cover Mar 11 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 23
Under cover: Mar 11 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Apr 7 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 17; Under cover Mar 10 to Oct 15

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 17
Under cover: Mar 10 to Oct 15
First harvest: About 29 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 27
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Apr 7 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 18; Under cover Mar 10 to Oct 16

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 18
Under cover: Mar 10 to Oct 16
First harvest: About 25 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Apr 4 to Jun 3; Under cover Mar 7 to Jul 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Jun 3
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jul 1
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors May 20 to Jul 5, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 22 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jul 5, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
Under cover: Apr 22 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 20, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 20 to Aug 17; Under cover Apr 22 to Sep 14

Sow outdoors: May 20 to Aug 17
Under cover: Apr 22 to Sep 14
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on May 20, ready around July 4.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Apr 1 to Apr 16; Under cover Mar 4 to Mar 19, and Apr 1 to Apr 16, and Apr 29 to May 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 16
Under cover: Mar 4 to Mar 19, and Apr 1 to Apr 16, and Apr 29 to May 14
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around November 7.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 7
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jul 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Apr 6 to May 27; Under cover Mar 9 to Jun 24

Plant outdoors: Apr 6 to May 27
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jun 24
First harvest: About 91 days after planting. Planted on April 6, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 12 to Nov 6; Under cover Sep 14 to Dec 4

Plant outdoors: Oct 12 to Nov 6
Under cover: Sep 14 to Dec 4
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 12, ready around June 19.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Apr 7 to Jul 23; Under cover Mar 10 to Aug 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jul 23
Under cover: Mar 10 to Aug 20
First harvest: About 99 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around July 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Apr 4 to Sep 6; Under cover Mar 7 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Sep 6
Under cover: Mar 7 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 14; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 12

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 14
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 12
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on April 1, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 7
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Apr 12 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 2; Under cover Mar 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Aug 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 2
Under cover: Mar 15 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Aug 30
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 11; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 9

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 11
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jul 9
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 7; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 7
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jul 5
First harvest: About 117 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around August 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 12 to Aug 10; Under cover Mar 15 to Sep 7

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Aug 10
Under cover: Mar 15 to Sep 7
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 16 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 19 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 9
Under cover: Mar 19 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 16, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 21 to Aug 21; Under cover Mar 24 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to Aug 21
Under cover: Mar 24 to Sep 18
First harvest: About 40 days after sowing. Sown on April 21, ready around May 31.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 25
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 12 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 15 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 15 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around May 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Mar 10 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
Under cover: Mar 10 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors Apr 12 to Sep 27; Under cover Mar 15 to Oct 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Sep 27
Under cover: Mar 15 to Oct 25
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Apr 7 to Jun 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 10 to Jul 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4

Plant outdoors: Apr 7 to Jun 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 7
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jul 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Oct 27 to Nov 12; Under cover Sep 29 to Oct 15, and Oct 27 to Nov 12, and Nov 24 to Dec 10

Plant outdoors: Oct 27 to Nov 12
Under cover: Sep 29 to Oct 15, and Oct 27 to Nov 12, and Nov 24 to Dec 10
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors Oct 19 to Nov 9; Under cover Sep 21 to Dec 7

Plant outdoors: Oct 19 to Nov 9
Under cover: Sep 21 to Dec 7
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Madison

When is the last frost in Madison?

On average around April 21, and the first autumn frost comes around October 29. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Madison?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 26 to Jun 20, or under cover Apr 28 to Jul 18.

What can I sow in Madison in November?

Outdoors: raspberry, rhubarb. Under cover: garlic.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Madison. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work