Mid-west Farm Report - Madison

Gardeners are now ready to proceed with all the plans they've been making for 2026.  When they start, questions are likely to follow.  Kiley Allan finds out what common questions are from Lisa Johnson, Horticulture Educator with Dane County Extension Service.  Due to climate change and unpredictable  weather, gardeners should use a soil thermometer rather than specific  dates to decide when to plant. Planting too early in cold soil can cause seeds and tubers to rot.  Johnson says for early crops like peas and potatoes, mid-April is a general starting point in southern Wisconsin, provided the soil is warm enough. For warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers, wait until after May 20th and ensure soil is at least 60°F and nighttime air stays above 50°F.Unfortunatley there's another swath of wet weather moving toward Wisconsin.  Stu Muck, ag meterologist, says western Wisconsin could pick up more than an inch of rain after a warm Thursday passes. Wisco