Illinois, US

Planting calendar for Rockford

Last frost around April 20, first frost around October 29: about 192 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 20
First frost: October 29
Frost-free days: 192

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 Rockford. 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 Rockford, 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: 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
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: Not this month	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
Cucumber	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 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
Winter squash	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
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 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 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
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 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 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
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: Plant under cover	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 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: Plant under cover	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 25 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 4; Under cover Apr 27 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1

Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 4
Under cover: Apr 27 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 25, ready around July 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 24 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 2; Under cover Apr 26 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 2, and Aug 24 to Aug 30

Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 2
Under cover: Apr 26 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 2, and Aug 24 to Aug 30
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around August 16.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 29 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Aug 4; Under cover May 1 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1

Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Aug 4
Under cover: May 1 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 29, ready around August 15.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 29 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 2; Under cover May 1 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 2, and Aug 24 to Aug 30

Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 2
Under cover: May 1 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 2, and Aug 24 to Aug 30
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 29, ready around August 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 24 to Jul 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 23; Under cover Apr 26 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jul 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 23
Under cover: Apr 26 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around June 29.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 24 to Jul 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 18; Under cover Apr 26 to Sep 15

Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jul 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 18
Under cover: Apr 26 to Sep 15
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around July 5.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 24 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Aug 5; Under cover Apr 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 24 to Sep 2

Sow outdoors: May 24 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Aug 5
Under cover: Apr 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 24 to Sep 2
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around July 29.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 19 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Aug 7; Under cover Apr 21 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Aug 7
Under cover: Apr 21 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around July 18.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 4; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 4
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 1
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 19; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 16

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 19
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 16
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Apr 3 to Jun 19; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 17

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 19
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 17
First harvest: About 87 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Apr 3 to Jun 4, and Jul 23 to Sep 26; Under cover Mar 6 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 4, and Jul 23 to Sep 26
Under cover: Mar 6 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 19 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around April 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Apr 3 to May 29, and Jul 27 to Aug 5; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 8, and Jul 27 to Aug 5, and Aug 24 to Sep 2

Plant outdoors: Apr 3 to May 29, and Jul 27 to Aug 5
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 8, and Jul 27 to Aug 5, and Aug 24 to Sep 2
First harvest: About 66 days after planting. Planted on April 3, ready around June 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Apr 3 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 6 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Aug 31
Under cover: Mar 6 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Apr 4 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Aug 26; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Sep 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Aug 26
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 21; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 21
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 19
First harvest: About 29 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 31
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around May 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 22; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 22
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 26 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around April 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Mar 30 to May 29; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 26

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 29
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 26
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, 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 19 to Jul 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 11; Under cover Apr 21 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jul 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 11
Under cover: Apr 21 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around July 12.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 19 to Aug 21; Under cover Apr 21 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Aug 21
Under cover: Apr 21 to Sep 18
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, 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 28 to Apr 12; Under cover Feb 28 to Mar 15, and Mar 28 to Apr 12, and Apr 25 to May 10

Sow outdoors: Mar 28 to Apr 12
Under cover: Feb 28 to Mar 15, and Mar 28 to Apr 12, and Apr 25 to May 10
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on March 28, ready around November 3.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Apr 3 to Jun 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 11; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 4, and Jul 27 to Aug 11
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Apr 1 to May 22; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 19

Plant outdoors: Apr 1 to May 22
Under cover: Mar 4 to Jun 19
First harvest: About 90 days after planting. Planted on April 1, ready around June 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 16 to Nov 9; Under cover Sep 18 to Dec 7

Plant outdoors: Oct 16 to Nov 9
Under cover: Sep 18 to Dec 7
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 16, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Apr 3 to Jul 19; Under cover Mar 6 to Aug 16

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jul 19
Under cover: Mar 6 to Aug 16
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around July 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Mar 30 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 2 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Sep 9
Under cover: Mar 2 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around May 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Mar 28 to Jun 10; Under cover Feb 28 to Jul 8

Plant outdoors: Mar 28 to Jun 10
Under cover: Feb 28 to Jul 8
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on March 28, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

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

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Aug 4
Under cover: Mar 6 to Sep 1
First harvest: About 73 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Apr 7 to Jul 6, and Jul 27 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 10 to Aug 6, and Aug 24 to Sep 3

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Jul 6, and Jul 27 to Aug 6
Under cover: Mar 10 to Aug 6, and Aug 24 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 3 to Jun 4; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 2

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 4
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 2
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 3 to Jun 3; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 3
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 1
First harvest: About 117 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around July 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 7 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 10 to Sep 11

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Aug 14
Under cover: Mar 10 to Sep 11
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 12 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 15 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 12
Under cover: Mar 15 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, 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 20 to Aug 24; Under cover Mar 23 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to Aug 24
Under cover: Mar 23 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around June 1.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Apr 3 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 6 to Sep 26

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Aug 29
Under cover: Mar 6 to Sep 26
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 7 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 11; Under cover Mar 10 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 9

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to May 24, and Aug 2 to Sep 11
Under cover: Mar 10 to Jun 21, and Jul 5 to Oct 9
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, 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 3 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 13; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 13, and Aug 24 to Sep 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 13
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 13, and Aug 24 to Sep 10
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 7 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 10 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Sep 30
Under cover: Mar 10 to Oct 28
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 3 to Jun 3, and Jul 27 to Aug 10; Under cover Mar 6 to Jul 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7

Plant outdoors: Apr 3 to Jun 3, and Jul 27 to Aug 10
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jul 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7
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 Oct 30 to Nov 15; Under cover Oct 2 to Oct 18, and Oct 30 to Nov 15, and Nov 27 to Dec 13

Plant outdoors: Oct 30 to Nov 15
Under cover: Oct 2 to Oct 18, and Oct 30 to Nov 15, and Nov 27 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.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors Oct 22 to Nov 13; Under cover Sep 24 to Dec 11

Plant outdoors: Oct 22 to Nov 13
Under cover: Sep 24 to Dec 11
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 Rockford

When is the last frost in Rockford?

On average around April 20, and the first autumn frost comes around October 29. 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 Rockford?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 25 to Jun 19, and Jul 27 to Aug 4, or under cover Apr 27 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1.

What can I sow in Rockford 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 Rockford. 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