Illinois, US

Planting calendar for Chicago

Last frost around April 15, first frost around November 6: about 205 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 15
First frost: November 6
Frost-free days: 205

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 Chicago. 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 Chicago, 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: 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
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 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
Eggplant	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
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: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and 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: Sow under cover	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 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 20 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 22 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 8
Under cover: Apr 22 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 20, ready around July 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 19 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 6; Under cover Apr 21 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 6
Under cover: Apr 21 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around August 11.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 24 to Jun 19, and Jul 28 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 26 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 19, and Jul 28 to Aug 8
Under cover: Apr 26 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around August 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 24 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 6; Under cover Apr 26 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 6
Under cover: Apr 26 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 6, and Aug 25 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around August 22.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 19 to Jun 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 27; Under cover Apr 21 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 27
Under cover: Apr 21 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 38 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around June 26.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 19 to Jun 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 21 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 22
Under cover: Apr 21 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around June 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 19 to Jun 19, and Jul 28 to Aug 9; Under cover Apr 21 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 19, and Jul 28 to Aug 9
Under cover: Apr 21 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around July 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 14 to Jun 19, and Jul 28 to Aug 11; Under cover Apr 16 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 11, and Aug 25 to Sep 8

Sow outdoors: May 14 to Jun 19, and Jul 28 to Aug 11
Under cover: Apr 16 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 11, and Aug 25 to Sep 8
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 14, ready around July 13.
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 8; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 23; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 23
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 26.
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 88 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 29 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 4 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 29 to Sep 30
Under cover: Mar 4 to Oct 28
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 9; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to May 27, and Jul 28 to Aug 9
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 9, and Aug 25 to Sep 6
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 14, and Jul 16 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 4 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 14, and Jul 16 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 4 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 40 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 2 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Sep 27

Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Aug 30
Under cover: Mar 5 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Sep 27
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 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 24; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 24
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 22
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 3; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 9 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Apr 1 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 25; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 25
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 23
First harvest: About 27 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around April 28.
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 14 to Jun 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 15; Under cover Apr 16 to Aug 15, and Aug 25 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: May 14 to Jun 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 15
Under cover: Apr 16 to Aug 15, and Aug 25 to Sep 12
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 14, ready around July 7.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 14 to Aug 24; Under cover Apr 16 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: May 14 to Aug 24
Under cover: Apr 16 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on May 14, ready around June 29.
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 11; Under cover Feb 26 to Mar 14, and Mar 26 to Apr 11, and Apr 23 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Apr 11
Under cover: Feb 26 to Mar 14, and Mar 26 to Apr 11, and Apr 23 to May 9
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 May 31, and Jul 29 to Aug 15; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 18, and Jul 29 to Aug 15, and Aug 26 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 29 to Aug 15
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 18, and Jul 29 to Aug 15, and Aug 26 to Sep 12
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 19 to Nov 14; Under cover Sep 21 to Dec 12

Plant outdoors: Oct 19 to Nov 14
Under cover: Sep 21 to Dec 12
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 19, ready around June 26.
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 12; Under cover Feb 28 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Mar 28 to Sep 12
Under cover: Feb 28 to Oct 10
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 8; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 4 to Sep 5
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 10; Under cover Mar 9 to Aug 10, and Aug 25 to Sep 7

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Jul 5, and Jul 28 to Aug 10
Under cover: Mar 9 to Aug 10, and Aug 25 to Sep 7
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 31
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 28
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 117 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around July 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 18; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 15

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Aug 18
Under cover: Mar 9 to Sep 15
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 11 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 16; Under cover Mar 14 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 11 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 16
Under cover: Mar 14 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 11, ready around May 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 15 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 18 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 18 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 40 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Apr 1 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Sep 1
Under cover: Mar 4 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 6 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 9 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 9 to Jun 19, and Jul 9 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 12.
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 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 17
Under cover: Mar 4 to Sep 14
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 3; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 31

Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Oct 3
Under cover: Mar 9 to Oct 31
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 14; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 14, and Aug 25 to Sep 11

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 28 to Aug 14
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jul 17, and Jul 28 to Aug 14, and Aug 25 to Sep 11
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 3 to Nov 20; Under cover Oct 6 to Oct 23, and Nov 3 to Nov 20, and Dec 1 to Dec 18

Plant outdoors: Nov 3 to Nov 20
Under cover: Oct 6 to Oct 23, and Nov 3 to Nov 20, and Dec 1 to Dec 18
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 26 to Nov 18; Under cover Sep 28 to Dec 16

Plant outdoors: Oct 26 to Nov 18
Under cover: Sep 28 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.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Chicago

When is the last frost in Chicago?

On average around April 15, and the first autumn frost comes around November 6. 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 Chicago?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 20 to Jun 14, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, or under cover Apr 22 to Jul 12, and Jul 28 to Aug 8, and Aug 25 to Sep 5.

What can I sow in Chicago 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 Chicago. Free for 2 months.

App StoreComing soon

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