When to Plant Collard Greens in Juneau County, WI
Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.
Juneau County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,397 feet, Juneau County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Collard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.
Juneau County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Juneau County
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.3) overlaps with Collard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Juneau County is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Collard Greens will thrive.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Juneau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Collard Greens Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Juneau County, WI
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Juneau County
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Juneau County
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after May 05 in Juneau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Juneau County, WI?
Juneau County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Juneau County, WI?
Juneau County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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