Portage County, WI — Planting Guide
What to do in May
Your Portage County, Wisconsin garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Set out basil, cucumber, and kale seedlings
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
-
Outdoor sowing time: basil, cucumber, and green beans
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
-
It's harvest week for radish, cress, and microgreens
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to June
- Transplants going out: alpine strawberries, aronia, and blueberries
- Starting indoors: basil, cucumber, and kale
- First harvests: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Portage County is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,008 ft, Portage County receives approximately 37.6 in of rainfall annually. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 27 days year to year — ranging from April 22 in warm years to May 19 in cold years. Portage County scores 73/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
4b (°F to °F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 5
🍂 First Frost
October 6
📅 Growing Season
154 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,008 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
37.6 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.6 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.5 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.1 in | 10 days | 1.2 in | Moderate |
| May | 4.1 in | 11 days | 0.2 in | Low |
| Jun | 4.9 in | 9 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 4 in | 9 days | 0.3 in | Low |
| Aug | 4.5 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 3.5 in | 7 days | 0.8 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 2.8 in | 8 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2.7 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.4 in | 7 days | — | None |
Annual total: 37.6 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.
Portage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 19 | 153 days |
| Cautious | May 12 | Oct 13 | 154 days |
| Average year | May 5 | Oct 6 | 154 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 28 | Oct 3 | 158 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 22 | Sep 23 | 154 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±27 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Portage County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Portage 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 Portage County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Portage County University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Extension Office
Phone: 608-263-7779
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 Portage County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Portage County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Portage 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 Portage County WI" or "garden center Portage 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 Portage County WI" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Portage County Gardeners" or "Wisconsin 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
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
15.3 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.7 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.6 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 | 9 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 4.6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.4 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.2 hr | 6.6 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.6 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.3 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| July | 15 hr | 9.3 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.9 hr | 8.8 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.3 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.7 hr | 3.2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jun
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 | 24°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 16°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 26°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 39°F | 40°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 54°F | 51°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 66°F | 59°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 72°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 76°F | 68°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 67°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 52°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 38°F | 44°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 24°F | 31°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 Portage County
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.
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 | Low | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Portage County
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 10 | Aug 4 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 5 | Jul 28 | ✓ 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 | May 27 | Sep 15 | — | 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 13 | Apr 14 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 28 | Apr 14 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 25 | Apr 14 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jun 29 | Apr 14 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 30 | Apr 21 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 11 mph Summer: 9 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
4.9/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (203 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
18,739 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
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, 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 37.6 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 18,739 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
Soil & Growing Conditions in Portage County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH 5.9–7.1 · Excessively Drained drainage
Native soil is well-suited to most vegetables and herbs with regular compost additions.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 5.5/10
Moderate drought pressure. Drip irrigation and mulching are highly recommended to maintain soil moisture through summer.
Season Tips
154-day frost-free season
Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 24-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Portage County
96 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Portage County.
Show all 96 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 19 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 28 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 28 | — | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | May 19 – Jun 9 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 28 | — | Sep 29 – Sep 22 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 28 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 19 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Sep 8 – Oct 13 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 18 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | May 12 – Jun 9 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 17 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 4 – Oct 13 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 28 | — | May 26 – Jun 16 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 28 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 19 | Sep 8 – Oct 13 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Portage County
22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Portage County.
Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 2 | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 70–90 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 2 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 2 | Aug 25 – Oct 6 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1825 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Portage County
32 herbs that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Portage County.
Show all 32 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 12 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 23 – Aug 11 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 12 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 | 120–180 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 12 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 1 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 12 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 12 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 12 | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 12 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 12 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Portage County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Portage County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Portage County, WI?
Portage County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Portage County, WI?
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Portage County falls around May 5. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between April 22 and May 19 — a 27-day window of variability. Use May 19 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Portage County, WI?
The median first fall frost in Portage County arrives around October 6. In cold years it can arrive as early as September 23; in mild years as late as October 19. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Portage County?
Portage County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 154 days. This is enough time for most warm-season crops including tomatoes, peppers, and squash with proper timing.
What is the soil like in Portage County for gardening?
Portage County has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 5.9–7.1 and Excessively Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.
What is grown commercially in Portage County?
Portage County has commercial agriculture that includes Soybeans, Corn, Hay, Dairy, Oats. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Portage County a good location for home gardening?
Portage County scores 73/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Your Portage County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Portage 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