Your Gardening Guide for the
Coulee Region This Spring
(Plus What to Plant This March & April)
When the snow starts melting in the Coulee Region, two things happen. First, we get hopeful. Second, we get ambitious.
If you’re ready to start gardening in the Coulee Region this spring, now is the time to plan. Whether you’re planting vegetables, flowers or a pollinator garden, local garden centers and workshops can help you start strong.
Here’s where to go locally, plus what to plant in March and April in western Wisconsin.
Where to Buy Garden Supplies in the Coulee Region
Theisen's Home Farm & Auto in Sparta
If you’re starting a garden in the Coulee Region, Theisen’s is a practical first stop.
- Seed packets
- Seed-starting trays
- Garden tools
- Onion sets and seed potatoes (early season)
Due to soil conditions that vary across western Wisconsin, their staff can also help new gardeners choose crops that grow well here.
Pro tip: If you walk in for seeds and leave with boots, that’s normal.
Christen Farm Nursery in Onalaska
Christen Farm Nursery is a longtime Coulee Region favorite known for its extensive greenhouse selection.
As spring temperatures warm, shoppers can expect:
- Vegetable started plants
- Annual and perennial flowers
- Hanging Baskets
- Landscaping plants
La Crosse County UW-Extension
You’ll find guides and articles on:
- Plant disease
- Insects and pests
- Soil and turf
- Fruit and vegetables
- Planting calendars for Wisconsin
The resources are incredibly helpful for understanding local soil conditions and seasonal timing. Because we sit in USDA Zone 4b to 5a, timing matters. The Extension office helps take the guesswork out of it.
Bauer’s Market & Garden Center in La Crescent, MN
Just across the river in La Crescent, Bauer’s Market & Garden Center is another strong option for Coulee Region gardeners.
They offer:
- Greenhouse Plants
- Vegetables and Herbs
- Bedding Plants
- Garden decor and supplies
What to Plant in March in the Coulee Region
March gardening in western Wisconsin is mostly about preparation. However, you can still get started.
Start Seeds Indoors in March
To get ahead of the season, start these indoors:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Basil and parsley
Direct Sow in March (If Soil is Workable)
If the ground has thawed and drains well, you can plant:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Peas
- Radishes
These cool-season crops tolerate light frost and colder soil temperatures.
What to Plant in April in the La Crosse Area
April is when gardening in the Coulee Region becomes more active.
Direct Sow Outdoors in April
Plant these directly into the garden:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Lettuce
- Swiss chard
- Additional peas
Cool-season vegetables thrive in early spring temperatures.
Transplant Cold-Hardy Crops
By late April, weather permitting, you can transplant:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Onions
However, it is still too early for tomatoes and peppers outside. Even if one warm afternoon tempts you.
Understanding Last Frost Dates in the Coulee Region
The average last frost date in the La Crosse area typically falls between May 1 and May 10.
After that window, you can safely plant:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
Planting too early increases the risk of frost damage. In the Coulee Region, patience pays off.
Why Gardening in the Coulee Region Is Worth It
Gardening here requires patience. Our spring weather keeps us humble. Still, the payoff is fresh vegetables, colorful yards and a little victory over winter.
Start small. Follow planting timelines. Use local expertise.
And remember, even experienced gardeners lose a plant or two. That’s not failure. That’s Wisconsin spring training and a rite of passage.
