Hawthorne, WI frost dates
How Hawthorne compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Hawthorne falls between April 28 and May 27, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 17 and October 16.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Wisconsin median of May 5.
- Its 143-day growing season is longer than 20% of the 749 Wisconsin places with a regular frost season (state median 155 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4a, where the median is May 12.
- The weather station records an average of 193 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Duluth, MN, 38 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 2 |
| 90% (late) | October 16 |
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 Hawthorne, WI
Hawthorne, WI frost dates — last frost May 12, first frost Oct 2, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Hawthorne, WI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 14 – May 19 | Aug 7 – Sep 4 |
| Kale | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Broccoli | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Okra | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — |
| Basil | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 7 – May 19 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 2 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 21 – May 19 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 21 – May 19 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 21 – May 12 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 28 – May 19 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 19 – Jun 9 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 26 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 18 – Oct 23 |
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 Solon Springs, WI weather station, 16 km away (elevation 1,129 ft (344 m)).
Frost dates near Hawthorne
- Poplar May 24 · Sep 26
- Lake Nebagamon May 24 · Sep 26
- South Range May 18 · Oct 3
- Solon Springs May 12 · Oct 2
- Maple May 24 · Sep 26
- Foxboro May 18 · Oct 3
- Brule May 24 · Sep 26
- Superior May 6 · Oct 9
- Gordon May 22 · Sep 26
- Iron River May 24 · Sep 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Hawthorne, WI?
The median last spring frost in Hawthorne, WI is May 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Hawthorne, WI?
The median first fall frost is October 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 17.
How long is the growing season in Hawthorne, WI?
About 143 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Hawthorne, WI?
Hawthorne, WI is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.