When to Plant in Green Bay, WI

Green Bay, Wisconsin, experiences its last spring frost on May 6 and its first fall frost on October 4, resulting in approximately 151 frost-free days each year. This gives local gardeners a relatively short but productive growing season. With these dates in mind, it's crucial to plan plantings carefully to maximize the yield from your garden. Timing is especially significant when it comes to sowing seeds and nurturing young plants, as successful gardening relies heavily on understanding these frost dates.

The microclimate in Green Bay is classified as a humid continental Great Plains environment. This climate is conducive to growing a variety of crops, particularly cool-season vegetables like lettuce, kale, and peas, which perform exceptionally well in the spring before the heat of summer sets in. Conversely, crops like melons and sweet potatoes may struggle due to the relatively short growing season, as they require longer and warmer conditions to thrive successfully. The summer heat can be beneficial, but the early frost threatens these heat-loving plants.

What to plant now in Green Bay

Spring: Begin sowing cool-season crops like lettuce and peas indoors in early March. Transplant them outdoors after May 6. This timing avoids the last frost while ensuring they establish well.
Summer: Plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers outdoors after May 6. These plants thrive in the heat of summer but require protection against potential late frosts.
Fall: Continue harvesting summer crops into September. Start planting fall crops like spinach and garlic by mid-September to take advantage of the remaining frost-free days before October 4.
Winter: Utilize the winter months for planning your garden layout and ordering seeds. Protect any perennial plants in your garden from snow and ice, ensuring proper winterization.

In Green Bay (151 frost-free days, a moderate season), 34 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 21 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Green Bay

Month	What to do
January	January is a time for planning and preparation. Start organizing your seed catalogs and garden layout to maximize the use of your space when spring arrives.
February	As winter lingers, prep your garden tools and order seeds. This is an excellent time for indoor gardening projects or starting a few seeds under grow lights.
March	March brings the first signs of spring. Start sowing cool-season crops like lettuce and peas indoors to be ready for planting outside come the last frost date.
April	In April, prepare your garden beds and soil while watching the weather closely. It's time to harden off plants grown indoors before planting outdoors around May 6.
May	With the last frost on May 6, transition your indoor seedlings outdoors. This is a crucial month for planting warm-season crops that need the summer heat to thrive.
June	June is warm and perfect for growing. Focus on watering and weeding your summer crops like tomatoes and peppers as they establish and flourish during this month.
July	In July, maintain your crops through consistent watering and pest control. Enjoy the abundance of fresh vegetables growing in your garden, and remember to keep harvesting regularly.
August	As summer winds down, continue caring for your warm-season crops. Early August is a good time to start planting fall crops like broccoli before the first fall frost.
September	September brings cooler temperatures. Start harvesting summer crops while planting fall vegetables such as spinach and kale to prepare for the chill before frost.
October	With the first fall frost on October 4, finish harvesting any remaining summer crops. Cover fall plantings, and plan for winter prep to protect your garden.
November	November is a maintenance month. Protect perennials with mulch and prepare your garden for winter by cleaning up debris and planning for next year's planting.
December	December is a time for reflection and planning. Review your successes and failures from the last season while dreaming of next spring's garden.

Frost dates for Green Bay ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
54313	May 6	October 4	5b
54303	May 6	October 4	5b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Green Bay?

The last frost in Green Bay typically occurs on May 6, marking an important date for gardeners planning their spring planting.

What vegetables grow best in Green Bay?

Cool-season vegetables like kale, lettuce, and peas thrive well in Green Bay's climate, as they can tolerate cooler temperatures.

When should I plant tomatoes in Green Bay?

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after May 6 to avoid any risk of frost, ideally waiting until the soil is warm in late spring.

Can I garden year-round in Green Bay?

While year-round gardening is challenging given the frost dates, winter gardening with certain perennials and cold frames is possible.

How does Plan My Garden help Green Bay gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice that considers local frost dates, climate specifics, and plant varieties suitable for Green Bay's conditions.