Frost Dates for Merrill, WI 54452
Last spring frost May 21 · First fall frost September 23 · 125 frost-free days · USDA Zone 4b
ZIP 54452 has about 19,000 people.
Moderate season: 125 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 8–June 3 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 12–October 6 (24 days).
Frost probability for 54452
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 3 | May 21 | May 8 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 12 | September 23 | October 6 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at RHINELANDER (49.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 125-day season in Merrill
In Merrill (125 frost-free days, a moderate season), 36 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 4 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 16 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 83 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 9 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 83 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 26 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 2 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 30–May 7 | 167 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 30. | Jul 22 |
| Cucumber | Apr 30 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 97 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 97 available after Jun 4. | Jun 27 |
| Beans | — | May 28–Jun 11 | 111 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 111 available after May 28. | Jul 4 |
| Peas | — | Mar 26–Jun 4 | 188 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 188 available after Mar 26. | Jul 13 |
| Zucchini | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 97 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 97 available after Jun 4. | Jul 2 |
| Onion | Feb 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 160 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 26–May 14 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 21 |
| Kale | Mar 12 | Apr 23–May 7 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Broccoli | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 160 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 23. | Jun 28 |
| Cabbage | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 174 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 23. | Jul 22 |
| Radish | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Potatoes | — | May 7–May 14 | 146 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 146 available after May 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 23 | 230 | overwinter: Plant Sep 23 to Oct 14; harvest the following summer. | Oct 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 16–Jun 11 | 181 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 16; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 23 | May 28–Jun 4 | 97 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 97 available after May 28. | Jun 5 |
| Pumpkin | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 4 | 90 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 10 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 9 | May 14–May 28 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after May 14. | Jul 3 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 26 | May 7–May 7 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 202 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 21 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 174 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 23. | Jun 22 |
| Butternut Squash | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 90 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 10 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 2 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 83 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 83 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Okra | Apr 23 | May 28–Jun 4 | 104 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 104 available after May 28. | Jul 2 |
| Basil | Apr 16 | Jun 11–Jun 11 | 90 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 90 available after Jun 11. | Jun 27 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 23–May 14 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Parsley | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 4 | 125 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 125 available after May 28. | Jul 8 |
| Celery | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 11 | 125 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 125 available after May 28. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 12 | Apr 23–May 7 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 11 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 23 | May 14–May 21 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 30. | Aug 2 |
| Collards | Mar 12 | Apr 23–May 7 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Cantaloupe | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 83 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Feb 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 139 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 139 available after May 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 26–Jun 18 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Oregano | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 4 | 139 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 139 available after May 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 125 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 125 available after May 28. | — |
| Sage | Mar 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after May 28. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 12 | May 28–Jun 4 | 139 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 139 available after May 28. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 9 | May 7–May 21 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Cosmos | Apr 23 | May 21–Jun 4 | 111 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 111 available after May 21. | Jun 27 |
| Lavender | Feb 26 | May 21–Jun 4 | 146 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 146 available after May 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 9 | May 21–May 28 | 111 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 111 available after May 21. | Jul 7 |
| Melons | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 83 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 146 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 146 available after May 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 111 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 111 available after May 21. | Jul 2 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 28–Jun 11 | 104 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 104 available after May 28. | Jun 22 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 90 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 90 available after Jun 4. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 111 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 111 available after May 21. | Jun 17 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 90 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 90 available after May 28. | May 29 |
| Watermelon | May 7 | May 28–Jun 4 | 90 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 90 available after May 28. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 7 | Jun 4–Jun 11 | 97 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 97 available after Jun 4. | Jul 2 |
| Zinnias | Apr 23 | May 21–Jun 4 | 111 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 111 available after May 21. | Jun 27 |
Month by month in Merrill
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 26), Lavender (Feb 26), Onion (Feb 26), Rosemary (Feb 26). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 12), Collards (Mar 12), Kale (Mar 12), Oregano (Mar 12), Parsley (Mar 12), Scallions (Mar 12), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 26), Beets (Mar 26), Dill (Mar 26), Peas (Mar 26), Radish (Mar 26), Spinach (Mar 26). |
| April | Start indoors: Eggplant (Apr 2), Calendula (Apr 9), Cauliflower (Apr 9), Marigolds (Apr 9), Pepper (Apr 9), Basil (Apr 16), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 9), Cilantro (Apr 23), Turnip (Apr 23), Carrots (Apr 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 23), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 23), Cabbage (Apr 23), Collards (Apr 23), Kale (Apr 23), Lettuce (Apr 23), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 16). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 7), Cantaloupe (May 7), Melons (May 7), Pumpkin (May 7), Spaghetti Squash (May 7), Watermelon (May 7), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 7), Sunflowers (May 21), Beans (May 28), Pole Beans (May 28). Transplant from: Calendula (May 7), Swiss Chard (May 7), Bok Choy (May 14), Cauliflower (May 14), Cosmos (May 21), Lavender (May 21), +15 more. Last frost around May 21. Last sowing dates: Tomatillos (May 29). |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 4), Cantaloupe (Jun 4), Cucumber (Jun 4), Eggplant (Jun 4), Melons (Jun 4), Pepper (Jun 4), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Corn (Jun 5), Sunflowers (Jun 17), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 22), Pole Beans (Jun 22), Basil (Jun 27), Cosmos (Jun 27), +3 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Jul 2), Okra (Jul 2), Yellow Squash (Jul 2), Zucchini (Jul 2), Cauliflower (Jul 3), Beans (Jul 4), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Collards (Aug 1), Scallions (Aug 1), Bok Choy (Aug 2), Lettuce (Aug 2), Kale (Aug 6), Kohlrabi (Aug 6), +4 more. |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 23). First frost around September 23. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 14). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Merrill, WI (ZIP 54452)?
The median last spring frost date for Merrill, WI (ZIP code 54452) is around May 21. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before May 8; one in ten it runs past June 3.
What is the first fall frost date in Merrill, WI?
The median first fall frost date for Merrill, WI is around September 23. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 12 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Merrill, WI?
The frost-free growing season in Merrill is about 125 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Merrill (125 frost-free days, a moderate season), 36 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 4 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Merrill, WI?
Merrill, WI is in USDA hardiness zone 4b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Merrill, WI?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 16 and plant out Jun 4 in Merrill. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Merrill?
Two: plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Sep 30.
When do I plant garlic in Merrill?
Sep 23 to Oct 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Merrill?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 4, the outdoor season is about 10 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Wausau (ZIP 54401) has 147 frost-free days, 22 more than Merrill (ZIP 54452). See Wausau ZIP 54401 frost dates
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