When to Plant Garlic in Forest County, WI
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Forest County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 556 feet, Forest County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Forest County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Garlic Planting Timeline — Forest County, WI
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
133 days
Growing Tips for Forest County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Forest County, WI?
Forest County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Forest County, WI?
Forest County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Forest County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.