I have found many great homesteading and farming Instagram and Youtube accounts over the past couple of years. It is exciting to see everyone planting seeds and preparing for summer, but here in Northern Wisconsin it seems like spring is still very far off. We have a couple feet of snow on the ground and seeing a temperature above freezing is thrilling right now. We are just nearing sugaring season, which signifies the first bit of spring for us.
We are in zone 4, and for my fellow northerners, I wanted to post my planting calendar with the types of plants that have been historically successful, along with a few new varieties. Last year I got a little bit too early of a start on some of my plants and I ended up pruning my peppers and tomatoes back quite a bit while they grew into giant plants in my basement. I’m trying to practice a bit more patience this year. I took all of these dates from the seed packets and I tend to plant on the early side of the recommendation. This year the majority of my seeds are from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Seed Savers.
March 1st: Onions, Celery, and Some Peppers
My first project is to start some mini bell peppers, corbaci peppers (a big hit last year!), and jalapeno peppers. I also plan to start onions and celery, which can be started 12 weeks before the last frost. My best onions last year were started by winter sowing, so I will get some started and put outside as well (more on that to come).
March 15th: Tomatoes, Peppers, Snapdragons, and Sage
By the middle of March, I will be starting 7 tomato varieties, a mix of romas, beefsteaks, and grape tomatoes. I will also start banana peppers, sage, and snapdragons. My snapdragons didn’t take last year but I’m going to give them another try. The varieties planted in mid-march require 8-10 weeks indoors.
April 1st: Peppers, Tomatoes, and Lavender
I have 2 varieties of each peppers and tomatoes that only require 8 weeks indoors. I am excited to try Wisconsin Lake Peppers and King of the North Peppers that are both red bell peppers that should grow well here in zone 4. These are new to me (from Seed Savers).
April 15th: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Coleus, Pansy, Herbs, and Green Beauty Peas
The middle of April is exciting, because my first seeds will be worked into the garden soil. Dill and peas both thrive in cold weather and can be direct sowed up to 6 weeks before the last frost. Obviously, the weather will ultimately determine when exactly I plant these, but I’m hoping the snow is gone and temperatures are looking good by April 15th. I will also be started some brassicas (broccoli and cauliflower), flowers, and herbs inside.
May 1st: Spinach, Poppy, and Marigolds
By the beginning of May we will be just over 3 weeks from our last frost date of May 25th. I will start planting spinach and some beautiful Salmon Poppys directly in the garden. I also plan to start marigold seeds around this time. Marigolds work great as pest control and I always plant them near my tomatoes.
May 15th: Corn, Turnips, and Morning Glory
We loved having morning glories on our front porch a couple of years ago, so we are going to give it a try again this year. We can also direct sow corn and turnips 1-2 weeks before the last frost.
May 25th: Beans, Carrots, Lettuce, Squash, Cucumbers, Sunflowers, Zinnias, and Red Cockscomb
May 25th is our last frost date, but by the 20th I will be looking at the 10 day weather forecast to get the earliest possible start to the garden. Some of the direct sown seeds may have to wait until early June. I will also be putting all of the transplants in the garden at this time.
June seems like a long ways away, but once spring starts it moves fast. By the 2nd weekend in March we will have our maple taps in. We will have baby chicks, ducks, and turkeys brooding in April. We also have plans to build a new chicken coop and make space to plant a flower garden. If everything works out, we will also be building a small road side farm stand to sell some of our eggs, produce, and plants. Even though I am ready to start spring, I am trying to soak in the last bits of calm before the chaos.
What are your garden goals this year? Do you live further south and already have a start? Don’t forget to join us over on Instagram and Facebook @scottfamilyhomestead and come join the conversation!
