Java, SD — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
Your June game plan for Java, SD
Your Java, SD garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Set out alpine strawberries, aronia, and blueberries seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
-
Start cucumber, kale, and lettuce indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
-
Pick lettuce, radish, and arugula
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: basil, peppers, and pole beans
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
- Fall sowing: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Java gardens in a dry climate (only 3" annual precipitation). Watering strategy matters more here than in most of the country — drip irrigation, deep mulching, and morning watering aren't optional, they're table stakes. The flip side: pest and disease pressure are far lower than in humid regions, and your soil temperatures climb fast in spring so you can plant heat-lovers earlier than the zone map suggests.
Soils trend Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Java averages 24.0 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
4b (-25°F to -20°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 10
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 1
📅 Growing Season
144 days
🌧️ Climate
Arid 2.7" annual
💨 Wind
Breezy 10.4 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
24.0 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Java
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
For new gardeners: Mulch reduces watering needs 30-50% by cutting evaporation. Java's 3" annual rainfall might be enough for vegetables in some months and not in others — a 2-3" mulch layer evens the swing.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.1 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.9 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.6 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.9 in | 8 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| May | 3.8 in | 6 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Jun | 1.9 in | 4 days | 2.4 in | High |
| Jul | 2.7 in | 5 days | 1.6 in | High |
| Aug | 2.8 in | 6 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Sep | 2.6 in | 5 days | 1.7 in | High |
| Oct | 2.8 in | 6 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.9 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 30 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Java Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 19 | Oct 11 | 145 days |
| Cautious | May 14 | Oct 5 | 144 days |
| Average year | May 10 | Oct 1 | 144 days |
| Optimistic | May 1 | Sep 24 | 146 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 20 | Sep 18 | 151 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±28 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting shorter here (about 1.7 days per decade). Use the "Conservative" dates and choose fast-maturing varieties.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Walworth County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Walworth County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Walworth County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Walworth County South Dakota State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 605-688-4792
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Walworth County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Walworth County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Walworth County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Walworth County SD" or "garden center Walworth County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Walworth County SD" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Walworth County Gardeners" or "South Dakota Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Java
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
What this means for you: You can't change the sun. Picking the right day-length-matched varieties for Java matters more than any other "fix" you make — and the seed packet tells you (look for "long-day," "short-day," "day-neutral").
Longest Day
15.5 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.5 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
11 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.9 hr | 4.9 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 6.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 7.3 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.3 hr | 8 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.7 hr | 9.2 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.5 hr | 11 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.1 hr | 10.6 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.9 hr | 9.7 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8.7 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 6.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.2 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.5 hr | 4.6 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Java
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Quick context: Soil temperature is a leading indicator. A black plastic mulch can warm soil 5-10°F faster than bare ground — meaningful in Java's spring if you're trying to plant tomatoes earlier.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°F | 25°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 18°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 26°F | 30°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 40°F | 39°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 56°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 64°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 73°F | 66°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 72°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 67°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 53°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 37°F | 42°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 24°F | 30°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Java
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Why it matters: In Java's climate, pest pressure shapes which crops are easy and which are heartbreak. Tomatoes are easy in dry mountain air, hard in humid coast — same plant, completely different gardening experience.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Colorado potato beetle | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Java
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
What this means for you: Bare soil is wasted soil — it loses nutrients to rain, dries out, compacts, and gets taken over by weeds. Cover crops (clovers, ryegrass, vetch, peas) are the "between seasons" trick that makes soil better every year. In Java, you can fit a cover crop into the gaps.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 16 | Aug 6 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 10 | Aug 6 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Jun 3 | Sep 17 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (5 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikon radish | Aug 10 | Apr 26 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 12 | Apr 19 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 3 | Apr 19 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jun 26 | Apr 26 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 27 | Apr 19 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Java
Why this matters: New gardeners under-plan for wind. Java averages 10.4 mph — fine for most days. But every region has its windy days, and the first time a row of unstaked peppers leans over after a storm is a lesson you only need once.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 16 mph Summer: 13 mph
Fall: 14 mph Winter: 14 mph
Prevailing wind: S. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the S side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
9.1/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (379 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Java
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
The practical takeaway: Rainwater scales linearly with roof area. A 2,000 sq ft roof in Java captures ~1,200 gallons per 1" of rain — given 3" annual rainfall, that's thousands of gallons a year if you have storage to hold it.
Annual Collection
14,952 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,500 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Apr, May, Aug, Oct
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Feb, Jun, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 30.0 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 14,952 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Feb, Jun, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Java
95 vegetables matched to Zone 4b with planting dates calibrated for Java.
Show all 95 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 30 – Oct 18 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 30 – Oct 4 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 24 | — | — | Aug 23 – Oct 11 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 30 – Oct 4 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 23 – Sep 27 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 23 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 24 | — | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | May 24 – Jun 14 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 16 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Oct 4 – Sep 27 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 24 | — | — | Aug 9 – Sep 20 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Nov 19 – Jan 14 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 24 | — | — | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 24 | — | Sep 27 – Oct 18 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Sep 13 – Oct 18 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 27 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 24 | — | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 24 | — | — | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | May 17 – Jun 14 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Aug 16 – Sep 27 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 16 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 22 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 18 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 30 – Oct 18 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | May 31 – Jun 21 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Jul 26 – Aug 30 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Aug 16 – Sep 27 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 15 | May 17 | May 31 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 24 | — | — | Aug 16 – Oct 11 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 27 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 23 – Oct 18 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 24 | — | Sep 13 – Oct 18 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 24 | — | — | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 11 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 8 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 11 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | May 3 | — | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 10 | Jul 9 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 24 | — | — | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Java
22 fruits matched to Zone 4b with planting dates calibrated for Java.
Show all 22 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | Sep 6 – Nov 1 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 7 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 7 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 11 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 7 | — | Aug 30 – Oct 11 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 7 | — | Sep 6 – Nov 1 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Java
30 herbs matched to Zone 4b with planting dates calibrated for Java.
Show all 30 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 15 | May 17 | May 31 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 11 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 40–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 6 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | Jul 9 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 15 | May 17 | May 31 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 17 | — | Sep 20 – Oct 11 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Java
49 flowers matched to Zone 4b with planting dates calibrated for Java.
Show all 49 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 22 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 27 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Sep 24 – Oct 22 | 28–42 |
| Astilbe | Mar 1 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 11 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 22 | Apr 26 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 22 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 4 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 1 | May 10 | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Nov 1 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 1 | — | May 24 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 22 | Apr 26 | May 10 | — | Jun 28 – Sep 13 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 5 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 1 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 6 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 1 | May 17 | May 24 | — | Aug 9 – Nov 1 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 12 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 18 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 12 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Nov 1 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 1 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 8 | Apr 19 | May 3 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 30 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 1 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Nov 1 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 1 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 15 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Aug 2 – Nov 8 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 22 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 4 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 17 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 25 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 22 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 22 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 18 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 8 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 11 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 24 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 23 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 12 | — | — | Jun 21 – Aug 9 | 60–90 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 18 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 1 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 1 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 29 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 27 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 12 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 4 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 23 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 24 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 8 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 1 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 25 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 5 | May 24 | May 24 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 27 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 22 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Nov 1 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 8 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 4 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 1 | — | May 24 | — | Sep 27 – Nov 22 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 1 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 19 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 11 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 23 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 29 | Apr 5 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 20 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 20 | Jul 16 – Aug 6 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 22 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 1 | May 10 | May 24 | — | Aug 9 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 12 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Java
ZIP Codes in Java
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Walworth County.
Your Walworth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Walworth County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log