Table of Contents
Step 6 – Plant Your Vegetables Right Vegetable Hardiness Recommended planting period for central Illinois (b) Spinach Hardy Mar. 25-Apr. 15 Aug. 15-30 Squash, summer Very Tender May 10-June 15 Squash, winter Very Tender May 20-June 1 Sweet potato Very Tender May 10-June 1.
When should I start my seeds in Illinois?
When to Start Seeds in Illinois In most cases, the best time to start seeds is approximately six weeks prior to the last frost date. In both Bloomingdale and Carpentersville, that lands somewhere around May 21-31 every year.
When can I plant flower seeds outside in Illinois?
Some seedlings can’t be placed outdoors until after the last frost-free date. In the Chicago area, that date generally is May 15. If you start your seeds too early, you could end up with spindly plants on your windowsills.
When should I start seeds for spring?
The best time to start seeds is usually late March to late May. Only the southern zones are suitable for starting plants from seed in the earlier months. Give the plant enough time to germinate and grow to an appropriate transplant size.
When should I start seeds indoors in the Midwest?
Most seed packets should indicate something like “start 6 weeks before the last frost date”. Some may only say something like “germinates in 7-10 days”, in which case you should take that germination period and add 6 weeks. If there is no information at all, start the seeds 6 weeks before your frost free date.
What can I plant in April in Illinois?
Plant small transplants of asparagus, early potatoes, lettuce, radish, mustard, onions, peas, rhubarb, spinach, turnips, cauliflower, carrots, and all other cool-season crops as weather permits. Plant midseason potatoes in mid-April.
When should I start my seeds indoors in Illinois?
Start seeds indoors the first week in March and transplant the cold-tolerant seedlings outdoors late in April.
What is Illinois growing season?
Jim Angel, state climatologist The average length of the growing season varies from about 190 days in far southern Illinois to 160 days in far northern Illinois. Of course, the actual length can vary from year to year. Many perennials have growing seasons that last longer than these maps would suggest.
What zone is Illinois for planting?
Illinois planting zones fall between 5a and 7a, with the northern part of the state being at the lower end of the range.
When should I start planting seeds indoors?
When to Start Seeds Indoors As a general rule, most annual vegetables should be sown indoors about six weeks before the last frost in your area. See local frost dates. Your packet of seeds will often list when the seeds should be started indoors.
What month should you start a garden?
For most crops, you should start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last spring frost date. In the Midwest, plant your seeds indoors in the middle to end of April. In the South, the last frost can occur as early as the beginning of February, so plant your indoor seedlines then.
When should I start my spring garden?
The Best Time to Plant Your Garden For most of the United States, the best time to start spring crops is, well, now. But to get more exact planting recommendations based on your area, use this handy calendar. (As a general rule, you should plant hardy greens and cole crops a few weeks before your final frost.)Feb 1, 2017.
When should I plant seeds outside?
Sowing Perennials and Annuals Outdoors In the North, sow from early spring through summer. Allow at least 4 months from sowing till first killing frost, so plants will have time to grow big enough to endure winter weather. In the South, sow seeds that require cool germination temperatures in spring or fall.
When should I plant tomato seeds in Illinois?
A: To grow your own tomatoes for transplanting outdoors, sow the seeds indoors four to six weeks before the usual last frost (around May 15 in the Chicago area). Use a sterile seed starting mix and any containers that will hold soil, provide drainage, and accommodate growing roots.
When should I start tomato plants indoors?
Quick to germinate and grow, tomato seeds are best sown indoors about six weeks before your average last frost date.
When should I start my garden in Chicago?
When to Start Planting in Chicago Chicago is in the USDA Zone 6a, which means that the growing season is generally from late April until early October. But don’t wait until the last week of April to begin! To ensure the longest growing season, you’ll need to start in March.
What can I plant in March in Illinois?
Cole crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be direct seeded into your garden around March 9, assuming the ground can be worked, but it’s better to start them indoors around February 10 and then transplant them into the garden around March 31. Do the same with lettuce and spinach.
What can I plant in April in the Midwest?
Top 10 Crops: Central and Midwest Region Slicing tomato. Sweet pepper. Cherry tomato. Onion. Bush snap bean. Carrot. Garlic. Paste tomato.
When can you plant potatoes in Illinois?
Potatoes Vegetable Hardiness Recommended planting period for central Illinois (b) For overall Use Potato Half-hardy Apr. 1-15 June 1-10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Chicago?
Considered a warm-season crop because plants need warm soil and frost-free nights, tomatoes are best planted outdoors after mid-May in the Chicago area. Even then you might need to cover plants, which is why many gardeners wait until after Memorial Day to plant.
What do I do after my seed sprouts?
What To Do After Seeds Sprout Remove Covering. Ensure Proper Light. Use The Right Growing Medium. Avoid Excessive Moisture. Thin Seedlings. Harden Off Seedlings.
When can I put my plants outside in Chicago?
Plant warm-season flowering annuals, vines, herbs, and vegetables after the Chicago area’s average last frost date of May 15. Cautious gardeners often wait until Memorial Day before setting out cold-sensitive plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and squash.
