Freedom, WI frost dates
How Freedom compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Freedom falls between April 21 and May 20, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 23 and October 21.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Wisconsin median of May 5.
- Its 155-day growing season is longer than 49% of the 749 Wisconsin places with a regular frost season (state median 155 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5b, where the median is May 1.
- The weather station records an average of 157 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Freedom shares its weather station with Appleton, WI, 10 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 21 |
| 50% (median) | May 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 23 |
| 50% (median) | October 6 |
| 90% (late) | October 21 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Freedom, WI
Freedom, WI frost dates — last frost May 4, first frost Oct 6, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Freedom, WI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 6 – May 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 |
| Kale | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Broccoli | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Okra | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 25 – Jun 8 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — |
| Basil | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 30 – May 11 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – May 25 | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | — | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | — | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 11 – Jun 1 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 18 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 22 – Oct 27 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Appleton, WI weather station, 16 km away (elevation 791 ft (241 m)).
Frost dates near Freedom
- Black Creek May 4 · Oct 6
- Appleton May 4 · Oct 6
- Shiocton May 4 · Oct 6
- Greenville May 4 · Oct 6
- Seymour May 1 · Oct 11
- Hortonville May 4 · Oct 6
- Nichols May 4 · Oct 6
- Little Chute May 4 · Oct 6
- Kimberly May 4 · Oct 6
- Kaukauna May 4 · Oct 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Freedom, WI?
The median last spring frost in Freedom, WI is May 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Freedom, WI?
The median first fall frost is October 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Freedom, WI?
About 155 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Freedom, WI?
Freedom, WI is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.