When to Plant Epazote in Kenosha County, WI
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Kenosha County, Wisconsin gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Time to transplant epazote
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: epazote
- First harvests: epazote
Epazote is a pungent Mexican herb traditionally cooked with black beans to reduce their gas-causing properties. It has a strong, unique flavor that is an acquired taste.
Kenosha County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 762 feet, Kenosha County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.
Kenosha County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Kenosha County
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Epazote's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kenosha County is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Epazote will thrive.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Epazote
Epazote needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Epazote Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kenosha County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Epazote 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.
Epazote Planting Timeline — Kenosha County, WI
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kenosha County
Growing Tips for Epazote in Kenosha County
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after April 22 in Kenosha County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 177.0-day season in Kenosha County allows multiple plantings of Epazote. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Epazote grows easily and self-sows aggressively. Use sparingly in cooking as the flavor is very strong. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Epazote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Epazote in Kenosha County, WI?
Kenosha County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kenosha County, WI?
Kenosha County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Kenosha County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kenosha County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.