Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Lake in the hills, IL, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 5b.
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Lake in the hills, IL Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Lake in the hills, IL
The average last frost date in spring for Lake in the hills is May 3rd. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 17th 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 Lake in the hills, IL
The average first frost date in fall for Lake in the hills is October 13th. 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 Lake in the hills, IL
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Lake in the hills 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.
Lake in the hills, IL Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Lake in the hills, IL Monthly Planting Recommendations
February
In February, recommended activities include starting Geranium seeds indoors (from February 22nd to March 8th), starting Impatiens seeds indoors (from February 22nd to March 8th), and starting Pansy seeds indoors (from February 22nd to March 8th).
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Cabbage seeds indoors (from March 8th to March 22nd), starting Pepper seeds indoors (from March 8th to March 22nd), and starting Marigold seeds indoors (from March 22nd to April 5th).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Sweet Pea (from April 5th to April 19th), direct sowing Garden Cress (from April 5th to April 19th), and direct sowing Quinoa (from April 19th to May 3rd).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Cantaloupe (from May 10th to May 24th), direct sowing Pumpkin (from May 10th to May 24th), and direct sowing Sunflower (from May 10th to May 24th).