Illinois, US

Planting calendar for Aurora, Illinois

Last frost around April 18, first frost around November 1: about 197 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 18
First frost: November 1
Frost-free days: 197

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Nothing this month.

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Aurora, Illinois. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Aurora, Illinois, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Sow under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsnip	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Radish	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Swiss chard	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Arugula	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Celery	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Pea	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Garlic	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Plant under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover
Leek	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Scallion	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant outdoors and under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Broccoli	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brussels sprout	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Kale	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cilantro	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover
Rhubarb	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors May 23 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 6; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 6
Under cover: Apr 25 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around July 28.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 22 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 5; Under cover Apr 24 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 5, and Aug 25 to Sep 2

Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 5
Under cover: Apr 24 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 5, and Aug 25 to Sep 2
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around August 14.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 27 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 6; Under cover Apr 29 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: May 27 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 6
Under cover: Apr 29 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 27, ready around August 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 27 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 5; Under cover Apr 29 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 5, and Aug 25 to Sep 2

Sow outdoors: May 27 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 5
Under cover: Apr 29 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 5, and Aug 25 to Sep 2
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 27, ready around August 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 25; Under cover Apr 24 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 25
Under cover: Apr 24 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 24 to Sep 17

Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 20
Under cover: Apr 24 to Sep 17
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around July 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 22 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 7; Under cover Apr 24 to Aug 7, and Aug 25 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 7
Under cover: Apr 24 to Aug 7, and Aug 25 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around July 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 17 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 9; Under cover Apr 19 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: May 17 to Jun 22, and Jul 28 to Aug 9
Under cover: Apr 19 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around July 16.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 7
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 21; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 21
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 18
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 15

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 17
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 15
First harvest: About 87 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 2, and Jul 26 to Sep 28; Under cover Mar 4 to Oct 26

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 2, and Jul 26 to Sep 28
Under cover: Mar 4 to Oct 26
First harvest: About 19 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around April 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Apr 1 to May 27, and Jul 28 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 10, and Jul 28 to Aug 7, and Aug 25 to Sep 4

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to May 27, and Jul 28 to Aug 7
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 10, and Jul 28 to Aug 7, and Aug 25 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 67 days after planting. Planted on April 1, ready around June 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 19, and Jul 10 to Sep 2; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 19, and Jul 10 to Sep 2
Under cover: Mar 4 to Sep 30
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 2 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 5 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around May 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Apr 1 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 23
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 21
First harvest: About 30 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 6 to Sep 2; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Sep 2
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 30
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Apr 1 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 24; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 24
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 26 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around April 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Mar 28 to May 27; Under cover Feb 28 to Jun 24

Sow outdoors: Mar 28 to May 27
Under cover: Feb 28 to Jun 24
First harvest: About 81 days after sowing. Sown on March 28, ready around June 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors May 17 to Jul 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 14; Under cover Apr 19 to Aug 14, and Aug 25 to Sep 11

Sow outdoors: May 17 to Jul 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 14
Under cover: Apr 19 to Aug 14, and Aug 25 to Sep 11
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around July 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 17 to Aug 23; Under cover Apr 19 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: May 17 to Aug 23
Under cover: Apr 19 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around June 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Mar 26 to Apr 10; Under cover Feb 26 to Mar 13, and Mar 26 to Apr 10, and Apr 23 to May 8

Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Apr 10
Under cover: Feb 26 to Mar 13, and Mar 26 to Apr 10, and Apr 23 to May 8
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on March 26, ready around November 1.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 13; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 13, and Aug 25 to Sep 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 2, and Jul 28 to Aug 13
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 13, and Aug 25 to Sep 10
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Mar 30 to May 20; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 17

Plant outdoors: Mar 30 to May 20
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 17
First harvest: About 91 days after planting. Planted on March 30, ready around June 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 17 to Nov 12; Under cover Sep 19 to Dec 10

Plant outdoors: Oct 17 to Nov 12
Under cover: Sep 19 to Dec 10
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 17, ready around June 24.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Apr 1 to Jul 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Aug 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jul 17
Under cover: Mar 4 to Aug 14
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around July 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Mar 28 to Sep 11; Under cover Feb 28 to Oct 9

Sow outdoors: Mar 28 to Sep 11
Under cover: Feb 28 to Oct 9
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 28, ready around May 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Mar 26 to Jun 8; Under cover Feb 26 to Jul 6

Plant outdoors: Mar 26 to Jun 8
Under cover: Feb 26 to Jul 6
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on March 26, ready around June 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Apr 1 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Aug 6
Under cover: Mar 4 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Apr 6 to Jul 5, and Jul 28 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 9 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jul 5, and Jul 28 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 9 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 2; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 2
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 30
First harvest: About 81 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 1; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 29

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 1
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 29
First harvest: About 118 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around July 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 16; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 13

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 16
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 13
First harvest: About 58 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 11 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 14 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 11 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 14 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 11, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 18 to Aug 26; Under cover Mar 21 to Sep 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to Aug 26
Under cover: Mar 21 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around May 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Apr 1 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Aug 31
Under cover: Mar 4 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 6 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 13; Under cover Mar 9 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 11

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to May 23, and Aug 4 to Sep 13
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jun 20, and Jul 7 to Oct 11
First harvest: About 37 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 13.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 15; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 18, and Jul 28 to Aug 15, and Aug 25 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 15
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 18, and Jul 28 to Aug 15, and Aug 25 to Sep 12
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors Apr 6 to Oct 2; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Oct 2
Under cover: Mar 9 to Oct 30
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 28 to Aug 13; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 13, and Aug 25 to Sep 10

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 28 to Aug 13
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 13, and Aug 25 to Sep 10
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Nov 1 to Nov 18; Under cover Oct 4 to Oct 21, and Nov 1 to Nov 18, and Nov 29 to Dec 16

Plant outdoors: Nov 1 to Nov 18
Under cover: Oct 4 to Oct 21, and Nov 1 to Nov 18, and Nov 29 to Dec 16
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors Oct 24 to Nov 15; Under cover Sep 26 to Dec 13

Plant outdoors: Oct 24 to Nov 15
Under cover: Sep 26 to Dec 13
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Also covers

Naperville, and nearby villages. Dates are within a few days across the area.

Questions about growing in Aurora, Illinois

When is the last frost in Aurora, Illinois?

On average around April 18, and the first autumn frost comes around November 1. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Aurora, Illinois?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 23 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, or under cover Apr 25 to Jul 15, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3.

What can I sow in Aurora, Illinois in November?

Outdoors: garlic, raspberry, rhubarb.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Aurora, Illinois. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work