When to Plant Sorrel in Waushara County, WI
Waushara County, Wisconsin gardeners: here's your April plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Waushara County, Wisconsin this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harden off and plant sorrel
Frost risk is low now in Waushara County, Wisconsin. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Scatter sorrel into prepared beds
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Sorrel is a perennial herb with tangy, lemon-flavored arrow-shaped leaves. It is one of the first greens to emerge in spring and is used in soups and salads.
Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 560 feet, Waushara County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sorrel to ensure they mature before fall.
Waushara County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Waushara County
How your county's soil matches Sorrel's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) is within Sorrel's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Waushara County is excellent for Sorrel — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Sorrel will thrive.
How to Plant Sorrel
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Sorrel
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 17.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sorrel
Sorrel needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sorrel Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Waushara County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sorrel 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.
Sorrel Planting Timeline — Waushara County, WI
Sorrel Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Waushara County
Growing Tips for Sorrel in Waushara County
Direct sow Sorrel outdoors after April 30 in Waushara County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 162.0-day season in Waushara County allows multiple plantings of Sorrel. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or fall. Remove flower stalks promptly to encourage leaf production. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Young leaves have the best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sorrel in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sorrel in Waushara County, WI?
Waushara County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Sorrel planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waushara County, WI?
Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Waushara County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Waushara 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.