What Can Grow in Madison, WI

Madison home to the University of Wisconsin has excellent growing conditions and strong local food culture.

Madison, WI is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The growing season lasts about 143 days, with last frost around May 3 and first fall frost around October 20. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, beans.

5aUSDA Zone
143 daysFrost-Free
May 3Last Frost
October 20First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Madison
tomatoespeppersbeanscornsquashbroccoli
💡 Planting Tips

University food culture. Plant warm crops May 10. Strong farmers market tradition.

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📍 Full Zone 5a Guide 🌎 Wisconsin Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison, WI is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a. Madison home to the University of Wisconsin has excellent growing conditions and strong local food culture.

The average last spring frost in Madison is around May 3. The first fall frost typically arrives around October 20, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 143 days.

Madison's Zone 5a climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn, squash, broccoli. University food culture. Plant warm crops May 10. Strong farmers market tradition.

In Madison, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of May 3. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.