Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Yale, IL, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 6a.
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Yale, IL Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Yale, IL
The average last frost date in spring for Yale is April 19th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 3rd 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 Yale, IL
The average first frost date in fall for Yale is October 20th. 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 Yale, IL
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Yale is approximately 184 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.
Yale, IL Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Yale, IL Monthly Planting Recommendations
February
In February, recommended activities include starting Onion seeds indoors (from February 8th to February 22nd), starting Tomatillo seeds indoors (from February 22nd to March 8th), and starting Leek seeds indoors (from February 8th to February 22nd).
March
In March, recommended activities include direct sowing California Poppy (from March 22nd to April 5th), starting Brussel Sprout seeds indoors (from March 8th to March 22nd), and direct sowing Alfalfa (from March 22nd to April 5th).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Nasturtium (from April 26th to May 3rd), direct sowing Cosmos (from April 26th to May 3rd), and direct sowing Butternut Squash (from April 26th to May 10th).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Lima Bean (from May 3rd to May 17th), direct sowing Sesame (from May 3rd to May 17th), and direct sowing Jute (from May 3rd to May 17th).