When to Plant Mizuna in Fond du Lac County, WI
April in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin — your action list
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin.
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Get mizuna in the ground
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Outdoor sowing time: mizuna
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Mizuna is a mild-flavored Japanese mustard green with feathery, deeply serrated leaves. It is fast-growing and makes an excellent addition to salads and stir-fries.
Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 713 feet, Fond du Lac County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mizuna to ensure they mature before fall.
Fond du Lac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Fond du Lac County
How your county's soil matches Mizuna's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Mizuna's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fond du Lac County is excellent for Mizuna — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Mizuna will thrive.
How to Plant Mizuna
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mizuna
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 22.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mizuna
Mizuna needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mizuna Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fond du Lac County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mizuna 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.
Mizuna Planting Timeline — Fond du Lac County, WI
Mizuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–45 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Fond du Lac County
Growing Tips for Mizuna in Fond du Lac County
Direct sow Mizuna outdoors after April 27 in Fond du Lac County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 170.0-day season in Fond du Lac County allows multiple plantings of Mizuna. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Mizuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest outer leaves as needed for a cut-and-come-again approach. Mizuna is one of the most cold-tolerant Asian greens.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mizuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mizuna in Fond du Lac County, WI?
Fond du Lac County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Mizuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fond du Lac County, WI?
Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Fond du Lac County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fond du Lac 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.