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When to Plant Beets in Oconto County, WI

Beets

Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Oconto County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 794 feet, Oconto County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.

Oconto County, WI (Zone 5a) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Oconto County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Beets

Beets needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Beets Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Oconto County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Beets Planting Timeline — Oconto County, WI

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 18
Fall Sowing July 26 Jul 26 – Aug 9

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

148 days in Oconto County

Growing Tips for Oconto County

Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in Oconto County, WI?

Oconto County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Oconto County, WI?

Oconto County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 4.

🌱

Your Oconto County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Oconto County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Oconto County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.