Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Garden prairie, IL, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 5b.
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Garden prairie, IL Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Garden prairie, IL
The average last frost date in spring for Garden prairie is May 5th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 19th 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 Garden prairie, IL
The average first frost date in fall for Garden prairie is October 15th. 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 Garden prairie, IL
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Garden prairie is approximately 163 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.
Garden prairie, IL Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Garden prairie, IL Monthly Planting Recommendations
February
In February, recommended activities include starting Geranium seeds indoors (from February 24th to March 10th), starting Impatiens seeds indoors (from February 24th to March 10th), and starting French Lavender seeds indoors (from February 24th to March 10th).
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Thyme seeds indoors (from March 10th to March 24th), direct sowing Pea (from March 24th to April 7th), and starting Ground Cherry seeds indoors (from March 10th to March 24th).
April
In April, recommended activities include starting Pumpkin seeds indoors (from April 14th to April 21st), direct sowing Lentil (from April 21st to May 5th), and direct sowing Garden Cress (from April 7th to April 21st).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Melon (from May 19th to June 2nd), direct sowing Butterfly Pea (from May 19th to June 2nd), and direct sowing Okra (from May 19th to June 2nd).