When to Plant Radish in Monroe County, WI
Top priorities for Monroe County, Wisconsin gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Monroe County, Wisconsin.
-
Plant radish from seed, right in the garden
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
-
It's harvest week for radish
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: radish
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
Monroe County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 1,164 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) overlaps with Radish's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Radish will thrive.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 11.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish 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 | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — Monroe County, WI
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Radish in Monroe County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after May 09 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 147.0-day season in Monroe County allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish 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 every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Monroe County, WI?
Monroe County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, WI?
Monroe County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.