When to plant in Menasha, WI
USDA Zone 5bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Menasha, Wisconsin — all computed from Menasha's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 5b, Menasha gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
APPLETON · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Menasha’s own odds, recorded at APPLETON.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 29 | May 15 | Apr 30 | Sep 15 | Sep 28 | Oct 11 |
| 32°F | May 20 | May 4 | Apr 21 | Sep 23 | Oct 6 | Oct 21 |
| 28°F | May 8 | Apr 23 | Apr 9 | Oct 1 | Oct 18 | Nov 3 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Menasha, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 27 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Menasha planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Menasha, WI?
Menasha's average last spring frost falls near May 4 — the 50% mark at 32°F in the 1991–2020 normals. Hold tender transplants until the risk has passed, then plant out.
When is the first fall frost in Menasha, WI?
The first fall frost in Menasha typically arrives around October 6 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Menasha in?
Menasha is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. In zone 5b, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Menasha?
Menasha has about 155 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (May 4) and first fall frost (October 6).
When should I plant tomatoes in Menasha?
For Menasha, sow tomatoes indoors about March 9–March 23 and move the seedlings out around May 11, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Menasha
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Menasha’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Fox Crossing · 4 km
- Neenah · 7 km
- Appleton · 8 km
- Harrison · 11 km
- Little Chute · 12 km
- Greenville · 12 km
- Kaukauna · 15 km
- Oshkosh · 24 km
Frost dates recorded at APPLETON, 7 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Menasha, WI — Frost Dates & Zone 5b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00470265. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/wisconsin/menasha.