When to Plant in Racine, WI

In Racine, Wisconsin, the growing season is defined by the median last spring frost date of April 25 and the median first fall frost date of October 19, resulting in approximately 177 frost-free days. This limited timeframe presents both opportunities and challenges for local gardeners as they plan their gardens and select appropriate crops to cultivate during the growing season.

Racine's humid continental Great Plains microclimate greatly influences what thrives in this region. Crops such as corn, beans, and squash excel here due to the warm summers and sufficient rainfall. However, crops like tomatoes and peppers may struggle with the cooler nights found in spring and fall, reducing their yields unless planted at the right times.

What to plant now in Racine

Now is the time to plant cold-hardy vegetables such as peas, spinach, and kale. With the last frost on April 25, sow these seeds directly into the garden from mid-March to late April, ensuring they get a head start.
As spring progresses, begin to transplant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants after April 25. Start these indoors in late March so they’ll be ready for planting outside around early to mid-May, following the last frost.
In mid-summer, it's ideal to plant a second round of fast-growing crops. Consider direct sowing beans and cucumbers throughout June, capitalizing on the long days and warm temperatures to harvest by late summer.
As fall approaches, it's time to plant late-season crops like garlic and shallots. Plant these in mid-September, providing enough time before the first frost on October 19 to establish roots in the cooler temperatures.

In Racine (177 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Racine

Month	What to do
January	This month is perfect for planning your garden. Research suitable crops and prepare your seed catalog. Indoor gardening projects, such as starting a herb garden under grow lights, can begin.
February	Continue planning and begin gathering gardening supplies. This is a good time for starting to seed hardy annuals indoors, such as pansies and snapdragons, to prepare for early spring planting.
March	In March, conditions begin to warm slightly. Start seeds for tomatoes and peppers indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Prepare your garden beds for planting.
April	April is a pivotal month. As temperatures rise, prepare to plant cold-hardy vegetables outdoors. After the last expected frost on April 25, move your indoor seedlings outdoors.
May	The risk of frost diminishes in May. Start planting warm-season crops like corn and squash after April 25. This is also a great time for transplanting seedlings that were started indoors.
June	June brings optimal gardening weather. Sow quick-growing crops such as beans and cucumbers directly in your garden this month, ensuring they have plenty of time to mature before fall.
July	In July, maintain your summer garden by watering and weeding regularly. It's the ideal time to enjoy the harvest of early crops and prepare soil for any late summer plantings.
August	August marks the end of summer, but it's still a great time for harvesting and preparing to plant cover crops. Late-season crops such as broccoli can still be sown this month.
September	Start preparing for fall with plantings of garlic and shallots. Mid-September is the perfect time to plant these crops to establish before the first expected frost of October 19.
October	October is the month to wrap up your gardening season. Harvest remaining crops and prepare your garden for winter. After the first frost on October 19, clean up your beds.
November	November often brings the first snowfall, marking the end of the outdoor gardening season. Focus on indoor gardening projects; start planning for next year.
December	In December, utilize your time for research and planning. Consider what worked in your garden last year and where improvements can be made come spring.

Frost dates for Racine ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
53402	April 25	October 19	6a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Racine?

The last frost date in Racine is typically around April 25, marking an important benchmark for planting spring crops.

What vegetables grow best in Racine?

In Racine, corn, beans, and squash thrive best, as they enjoy the warm, humid conditions typical of the region.

When should I plant tomatoes in Racine?

Tomatoes should be started indoors around late March and transplanted outdoors after the last frost date of April 25.

Can I garden year-round in Racine?

While year-round gardening is challenging in Racine due to its cold winters, you can grow indoors or in greenhouses.

How does Plan My Garden help Racine gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice on planting schedules, frost dates, and crop selection, specifically suited to local conditions.