Frost Dates for South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 21 · 179 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 53172 has about 20,400 people.
Moderate season: 179 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 10–May 8 (28 days). Fall frost risk spans October 5–November 6 (32 days).
Frost probability for 53172
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 8 | April 25 | April 10 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 5 | October 21 | November 6 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MILWAUKEE MITCHELL AP (5.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 179-day season in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee (179 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 21 | May 9–May 16 | 137 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 137 available after May 9. | Jun 21 |
| Pepper | Mar 14 | May 9–May 16 | 137 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 137 available after May 9. | Jun 26 |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 30 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 221 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 221 available after Apr 4. | Aug 19 |
| Cucumber | Apr 4 | May 9–May 16 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Peas | — | Feb 28–May 9 | 242 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 242 available after Feb 28. | Aug 10 |
| Zucchini | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Onion | Jan 31 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 214 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 28–Apr 18 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 18 |
| Kale | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 3 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 214 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 28. | Jul 26 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 228 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 28. | Aug 19 |
| Radish | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Oct 28. | Sep 19 |
| Beets | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 21 | 284 | overwinter: Plant Oct 21 to Nov 11; harvest the following summer. | Nov 11 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 21–May 16 | 235 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 21; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 151 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 151 available after May 2. | Jul 3 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 11 | May 9–May 9 | 144 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 144 available after May 9. | Jun 8 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 | Apr 18–May 2 | 193 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 18. | Jul 31 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 11 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 18 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 228 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 28. | Jul 20 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 144 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 144 available after May 9. | Jun 8 |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | 137 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 137 available after May 9. | Jul 1 |
| Okra | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Basil | Mar 21 | May 16–May 16 | 144 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 28–Apr 18 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Parsley | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 179 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 179 available after May 2. | Aug 5 |
| Celery | Feb 14 | May 2–May 16 | 179 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 179 available after May 2. | Jun 16 |
| Scallions | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 11. | Aug 29 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 8 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 3 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 30 |
| Collards | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 11. | Aug 29 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 137 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 137 available after May 9. | Jun 16 |
| Chives | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 193 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 193 available after May 2. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Oregano | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 193 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 193 available after May 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 179 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 179 available after May 2. | — |
| Sage | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 193 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 193 available after May 2. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 193 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 193 available after May 2. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Cosmos | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Lavender | Jan 31 | Apr 25–May 9 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 14 | Apr 25–May 2 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 4 |
| Melons | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 137 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 137 available after May 9. | Jun 16 |
| Mint | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 158 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 158 available after May 2. | Jul 20 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 144 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 144 available after May 9. | Jun 18 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 165 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 25. | Jul 15 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after May 2. | Jun 26 |
| Watermelon | Apr 11 | May 2–May 9 | 144 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 144 available after May 2. | Jun 21 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Zinnias | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
Month by month in South Milwaukee
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 31), Lavender (Jan 31), Onion (Jan 31), Rosemary (Jan 31). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 14), Collards (Feb 14), Kale (Feb 14), Oregano (Feb 14), Parsley (Feb 14), Scallions (Feb 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 28), Beets (Feb 28), Dill (Feb 28), Peas (Feb 28), Radish (Feb 28), Spinach (Feb 28). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 7), Calendula (Mar 14), Cauliflower (Mar 14), Marigolds (Mar 14), Pepper (Mar 14), Basil (Mar 21), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 14), Cilantro (Mar 28), Turnip (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 28), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 28), Cabbage (Mar 28), Collards (Mar 28), Kale (Mar 28), Lettuce (Mar 28), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 21). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 4), Butternut Squash (Apr 11), Cantaloupe (Apr 11), Melons (Apr 11), Pumpkin (Apr 11), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 11), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 4), Potatoes (Apr 11), Sunflowers (Apr 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 11), Swiss Chard (Apr 11), Bok Choy (Apr 18), Cauliflower (Apr 18), Cosmos (Apr 25), Lavender (Apr 25), +4 more. Last frost around April 25. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 2), Pole Beans (May 2). Transplant from: Celery (May 2), Chives (May 2), Corn (May 2), Okra (May 2), Oregano (May 2), Parsley (May 2), +17 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 8), Pumpkin (Jun 8), Cantaloupe (Jun 16), Celery (Jun 16), Melons (Jun 16), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 18), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 1), Corn (Jul 3), Sunflowers (Jul 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 20), Pole Beans (Jul 20), Basil (Jul 25), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Beans (Aug 1), Marigolds (Aug 4), Parsley (Aug 5), Peas (Aug 10), Cabbage (Aug 19), Carrots (Aug 19), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 3), Kohlrabi (Sep 3), Turnip (Sep 8), Arugula (Sep 18), Spinach (Sep 18), Radish (Sep 19). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 21). First frost around October 21. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 11). |
| 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 South Milwaukee, WI (ZIP 53172)?
The median last spring frost date for South Milwaukee, WI (ZIP code 53172) is around April 25. 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 April 10; one in ten it runs past May 8.
What is the first fall frost date in South Milwaukee, WI?
The median first fall frost date for South Milwaukee, WI is around October 21. 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 October 5 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in South Milwaukee, WI?
The frost-free growing season in South Milwaukee is about 179 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 South Milwaukee (179 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is South Milwaukee, WI?
South Milwaukee, WI is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (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 South Milwaukee, WI?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 21 and plant out May 9 in South Milwaukee. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in South Milwaukee?
Two: plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28.
When do I plant garlic in South Milwaukee?
Oct 21 to Nov 11; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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