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When to Plant Oregano in Walworth County, WI

Oregano is a robust perennial herb essential to Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent, savory leaves intensify in flavor when dried.

Walworth County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 1,101 feet, Walworth County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Oregano during the growing season.

Walworth County, WI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Walworth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Sep 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 29

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Oregano needs ~1,144 GDD — county provides 2,592 GDD Excellent fit

Oregano Planting Timeline โ€” Walworth County, WI

Oregano Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Sep 13

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

170 days

Growing Tips for Walworth County

Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Harvest just before flowering for strongest flavor. Cut plants back to a few inches in spring to encourage vigorous new growth.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Oregano in Walworth County, WI?

Walworth County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Oregano planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walworth County, WI?

Walworth County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Walworth County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Walworth County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.