Frost Dates for West Bend, WI 53090
West Bend has 2 ZIP codes. The West Bend, WI frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 12 · First fall frost September 30 · 141 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 53090 has about 21,600 people, one of 2 ZIP codes in West Bend.
Moderate season: 141 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 26–May 29 (33 days). Fall frost risk spans September 18–October 13 (25 days).
Frost probability for 53090
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 29 | May 12 | April 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 18 | September 30 | October 13 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at HARTFORD WWTP (23.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 141-day season in West Bend
In West Bend (141 frost-free days, a moderate season), 38 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 17 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 7 | May 26–Jun 2 | 99 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 99 available after May 26. | May 31 |
| Pepper | Mar 31 | May 26–Jun 2 | 99 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 99 available after May 26. | Jun 5 |
| Lettuce | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 9 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 183 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 21. | Jul 29 |
| Cucumber | Apr 21 | May 26–Jun 2 | 113 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 113 available after May 26. | Jul 4 |
| Beans | — | May 19–Jun 2 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 19. | Jul 11 |
| Peas | — | Mar 17–May 26 | 204 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 204 available after Mar 17. | Jul 20 |
| Zucchini | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 113 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 113 available after May 26. | Jul 9 |
| Onion | Feb 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 176 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 17–May 5 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 28 |
| Kale | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 176 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 14. | Jul 5 |
| Cabbage | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 190 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 14. | Jul 29 |
| Radish | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 29 |
| Beets | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 28–May 5 | 162 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 28. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 30 | 246 | overwinter: Plant Sep 30 to Oct 21; harvest the following summer. | Oct 21 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 7–Jun 2 | 197 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 7; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 14 | May 19–May 26 | 113 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 113 available after May 19. | Jun 12 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 28 | May 26–May 26 | 106 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 106 available after May 26. | — |
| Cauliflower | Mar 31 | May 5–May 19 | 155 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 155 available after May 5. | Jul 10 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 17 | Apr 28–Apr 28 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 28 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 190 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 14. | Jun 29 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 106 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 106 available after May 26. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 24 | May 26–Jun 2 | 99 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 99 available after May 26. | Jun 10 |
| Okra | Apr 14 | May 19–May 26 | 120 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 120 available after May 19. | Jul 9 |
| Basil | Apr 7 | Jun 2–Jun 2 | 106 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 2. | Jul 4 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 14–May 5 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 4 |
| Parsley | Mar 3 | May 19–May 26 | 141 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 141 available after May 19. | Jul 15 |
| Celery | Mar 3 | May 19–Jun 2 | 141 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 141 available after May 19. | May 26 |
| Scallions | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 8 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 14 | May 5–May 12 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 9 |
| Collards | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 190 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 8 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 99 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 99 available after May 26. | — |
| Chives | Feb 17 | May 19–May 26 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 17–Jun 9 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Oregano | Mar 3 | May 19–May 26 | 155 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 155 available after May 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 17 | May 19–May 26 | 141 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 141 available after May 19. | — |
| Sage | Mar 17 | May 19–May 26 | 155 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 155 available after May 19. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 3 | May 19–May 26 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 19. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 12 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 4 |
| Cosmos | Apr 14 | May 12–May 26 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 12. | Jul 4 |
| Lavender | Feb 17 | May 12–May 26 | 162 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 162 available after May 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 31 | May 12–May 19 | 127 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 16. | Jul 14 |
| Melons | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 99 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 99 available after May 26. | — |
| Mint | — | May 12–May 26 | 162 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 162 available after May 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 14 | May 12–May 19 | 127 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Jul 9; both mature before Sep 16. | Jul 9 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 19–Jun 2 | 120 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 120 available after May 19. | Jun 29 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 106 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 106 available after May 26. | May 28 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 12–May 26 | 127 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 127 available after May 12. | Jun 24 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 17 | May 19–May 26 | 106 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 106 available after May 19. | Jun 5 |
| Watermelon | Apr 28 | May 19–May 26 | 106 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 106 available after May 19. | May 31 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 28 | May 26–Jun 2 | 113 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 113 available after May 26. | Jul 9 |
| Zinnias | Apr 14 | May 12–May 26 | 127 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 127 available after May 12. | Jul 4 |
Month by month in West Bend
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 17), Lavender (Feb 17), Onion (Feb 17), Rosemary (Feb 17). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 3), Collards (Mar 3), Kale (Mar 3), Oregano (Mar 3), Parsley (Mar 3), Scallions (Mar 3), +13 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 17), Beets (Mar 17), Dill (Mar 17), Peas (Mar 17), Radish (Mar 17), Spinach (Mar 17), +1 more. |
| April | Start indoors: Basil (Apr 7), Tomato (Apr 7), Bok Choy (Apr 14), Corn (Apr 14), Cosmos (Apr 14), Nasturtiums (Apr 14), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 14), Turnip (Apr 14), Carrots (Apr 21), Potatoes (Apr 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 14), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 14), Cabbage (Apr 14), Collards (Apr 14), Kale (Apr 14), Lettuce (Apr 14), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 7). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 12), Beans (May 19), Pole Beans (May 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 5), Cauliflower (May 5), Cosmos (May 12), Lavender (May 12), Marigolds (May 12), Mint (May 12), +24 more. Last frost around May 12. Last sowing dates: Celery (May 26), Spaghetti Squash (May 28), Tomato (May 31), Watermelon (May 31). |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 2). Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jun 5), Tomatillos (Jun 5), Eggplant (Jun 10), Corn (Jun 12), Sunflowers (Jun 24), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 29), +1 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Basil (Jul 4), Cosmos (Jul 4), Cucumber (Jul 4), Zinnias (Jul 4), Broccoli (Jul 5), Nasturtiums (Jul 9), +13 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Aug 4), Cilantro (Aug 4), Collards (Aug 8), Scallions (Aug 8), Bok Choy (Aug 9), Lettuce (Aug 9), +6 more. |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 30). First frost around September 30. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 21). |
| 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 West Bend, WI (ZIP 53090)?
The median last spring frost date for West Bend, WI (ZIP code 53090) is around May 12. 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 26; one in ten it runs past May 29.
What is the first fall frost date in West Bend, WI?
The median first fall frost date for West Bend, WI is around September 30. 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 18 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in West Bend, WI?
The frost-free growing season in West Bend is about 141 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 West Bend (141 frost-free days, a moderate season), 38 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 17 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is West Bend, WI?
West Bend, WI is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (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 West Bend, WI?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 7 and plant out May 26 in West Bend. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in West Bend?
Two: plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 7.
When do I plant garlic in West Bend?
Sep 30 to Oct 21; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Cedarburg (ZIP 53012) has 148 frost-free days, 7 more than West Bend (ZIP 53090). See Cedarburg ZIP 53012 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for West Bend, WI 53095 (4.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Jackson, WI 53037 (10 mi)
- Frost dates for Cedarburg, WI 53012 (12.2 mi)
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- Frost dates for Port Washington, WI 53074 (15 mi)
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