What to plant in October in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin (WI), the average first fall frost (September 30) has passed by mid-October. The state averages 143 frost-free days a year (last frost May 10, first frost September 30; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: shallot, garlic.
Dates here come from Wisconsin frost dates (last frost May 10, first frost Sep 30). For one crop in detail, see when to plant garlic, tomato or lettuce in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin: planting activity through the year
For fall and winter harvests (2)
Sowings counted back from Wisconsin's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
Harvesting in October
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Wisconsin
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Wisconsin: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in October in Wisconsin
Plant when the ground cools to about 50-55°F or lower (but is not frozen), and keep planting until a couple of weeks before the ground freezes. (University of Wisconsin Extension) ↗
After the first frost: October garden jobs in Wisconsin
- The average first frost (September 30) has passed - pull frost-killed tender plants and compost the healthy ones; bin or burn anything that had blight or mildew.
- Plant garlic now (Oct 11 – Oct 28): single cloves, pointy end up, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, then mulch.
- Leave cold-hardy roots (carrots, parsnips, leeks) in the ground under a thick mulch and dig them as needed.
- Clean and oil tools, drain hoses, and note what worked this year while you still remember - it makes next year's plan far easier.
USDA zone chart for Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Wisconsin in October?
2 crops have a window in October: shallot, garlic. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Wisconsin in October?
No - plant in fall (after first frost) runs Oct 11 – Oct 28 in Wisconsin, so do it before October 28.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Wisconsin in October?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Wisconsin have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 15.
When is the first frost in Wisconsin?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 30 and the last spring frost around May 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Wisconsin in October?
From plantings made on time: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, luffa (loofah gourd), lettuce, peanut, brussels sprouts, bok choy / pak choi, napa cabbage, mustard greens.
When should I plant spring bulbs in Wisconsin?
Plant when the ground cools to about 50-55°F or lower (but is not frozen), and keep planting until a couple of weeks before the ground freezes. (University of Wisconsin Extension). See the bulb planting guide for depth and spacing.
What to plant in October in other states
Dates are computed from Wisconsin’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.