Vegetable Planting Calendar: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 and Zone 6. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important for getting the most out of your garden. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time.
Illinois’ USDA Hardiness Zones are zones 5, 6 and 7. The zones progress in horizontal portions throughout the state, with the northern parts of Illinois being in zone 5, central Illinois is zone 6 and southern Illinois is zone 7. First frost dates begin in October, and last frost dates can stretch into May. Chicago’s first frost date is 10/13 and its last frost date is 4/25.
Use your last and first frost dates below to calculate your planting schedules.
Learning Download: Growing and Harvesting in IllinoisChicago, Illinois: Zone 6
Spring Last Frost Date: 4/25
Fall First Frost Date: 10/13
| Spring: Start Seeds Indoors | Spring: Direct Sow/Transplant | Fall: Start Seeds Indoors | Fall: Direct Sow/Transplant | |
| Artichokes | 2/28 | 4/25 | ||
| Beans | Direct Sow | 4/25 | Direct Sow | 8/4 |
| Beets | 2/28 | 4/11 | Direct Sow | 8/4 |
| Broccoli | 2/28 | 4/11 | 6/25 | 7/25 |
| Brussels Sprouts | 2/28 | 4/11 | 5/16 | 6/15 |
| Cabbage | 2/14 | 3/28 | 6/17 | 7/15 |
| Carrots | Direct Sow | 4/4 | Direct Sow | 7/19 |
| Cauliflower | 2/28 | 4/11 | 6/25 | 7/25 |
| Celery | 2/7 | 5/2 | 5/26 | 6/23 |
| Chard | 2/28 | 4/11 | Direct Sow | 8/9 |
| Collards | 2/21 | 3/28 | 6/18 | 7/18 |
| Corn | Direct Sow | 5/2 | ||
| Cucumbers | Direct Sow | 4/25 | ||
| Eggplant | 3/14 | 5/9 | ||
| Gourds | Direct Sow | 5/9 | ||
| Kale | 2/14 | 3/28 | Direct Sow | 7/20 |
| Kohlrabi | 2/14 | 3/28 | Direct Sow | 8/14 |
| Leek | 1/31 | 4/11 | 5/21 | 6/25 |
| Lettuce | 2/2 | 3/28 | 7/5 | 8/4 |
| Melons | Direct Sow | 5/9 | ||
| Okra | 3/14 | 5/9 | ||
| Onions | 1/17 | 3/28 | 6/25 | 8/4 |
| Peas | Direct Sow | 2/28 | Direct Sow | 7/5 |
| Peppers | 2/28 | 5/2 | ||
| Pumpkins | Direct Sow | 5/9 | ||
| Radishes | Direct Sow | 3/21 | Direct Sow | 9/3 |
| Spinach | 2/7 | 3/14 | 7/25 | 8/17 |
| Squash | 4/11 | 5/9 | ||
| Tomatoes | 3/7 | 5/2 | ||
| Turnips | Direct Sow | 3/21 | Direct Sow | 8/14 |
| Watermelon | 4/11 | 5/9 |
Download as a pdf: When to Plant in Chicago
*Planting dates are based on past weather data. There is a 10% chance that you will have a frost outside of the range above. Watch local weather for more accurate frost dates. These are the recommended vegetable planting dates. If you have any questions about the calendar dates please give us a call. Urban Farmer offers a large selection of vegetable seeds to gardeners and farmers throughout the United States.
