Frost dates for Madison, Wisconsin
In a typical year, Madison’s last spring frost lands around May 1 and the first fall frost around Oct 9, a growing season of about 161 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 5b.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Apr 18 | Sep 26 |
| 50 percent | May 1 | Oct 9 |
| 90 percent | May 17 | Oct 24 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Madison is typically around 70°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Madison
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Chinese cabbage (Bilko)
- Spinach (Space)
- Arugula (Astro)
- Mustard greens (Red Giant)
- Tatsoi (Tatsoi)
- Dill (Bouquet)
- Turnip (Purple Top White Globe)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Madison’s normals for today.
Nearby cities
- Rockford, IL (around Apr 24 to Oct 17)
- Milwaukee, WI (around Apr 26 to Oct 22)
- Kenosha, WI (around Apr 19 to Oct 26)
- Aurora, IL (around Apr 19 to Oct 23)
- Naperville, IL (around Apr 28 to Oct 16)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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