When to Plant Epazote in Vernon County, WI
What to do in May
Your Vernon County, Wisconsin garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Plant out epazote
Frost risk is low now in Vernon County, Wisconsin. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Seed epazote outdoors
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Vernon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 641 feet, Vernon County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Epazote to ensure they mature before fall.
Vernon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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 Vernon County
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) is within Epazote's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Vernon County is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Vernon 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 — Vernon County, WI
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Vernon County
Growing Tips for Epazote in Vernon County
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after April 28 in Vernon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 164.0-day season in Vernon 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 Vernon County, WI?
Vernon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vernon County, WI?
Vernon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Vernon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Vernon 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.