Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Forest park, IL, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 6a.
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Forest park, IL Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Forest park, IL
The average last frost date in spring for Forest park is April 30th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 14th before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for Forest park, IL
The average first frost date in fall for Forest park is October 25th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in Forest park, IL
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Forest park is approximately 178 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
Forest park, IL Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Forest park, IL Monthly Planting Recommendations
February
In February, recommended activities include starting Impatiens seeds indoors (from February 19th to March 5th), starting Lavender seeds indoors (from February 19th to March 5th), and starting Begonia seeds indoors (from February 19th to March 5th).
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Cabbage seeds indoors (from March 5th to March 19th), starting Oregano seeds indoors (from March 5th to March 19th), and starting Kale seeds indoors (from March 19th to April 2nd).
April
In April, recommended activities include starting Pumpkin seeds indoors (from April 9th to April 16th), direct sowing Poppy (from April 2nd to April 16th), and direct sowing Lettuce (from April 2nd to April 16th).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Melon (from May 14th to May 28th), direct sowing Sunflower (from May 7th to May 21st), and direct sowing Cantaloupe (from May 7th to May 21st).