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Carbondale, IL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Carbondale usually comes around Apr 9 and the first fall frost around Oct 30, a growing season of about 204 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 26 – Mar 12 and plant them outside Apr 23 – May 7.

Last spring frostApr 9
First fall frostOct 30
Growing season204 days

When to plant vegetables in Carbondale

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 23 – May 7—
PeppersFeb 19 – Mar 5Apr 30 – May 14—
EggplantFeb 19 – Mar 5Apr 30 – May 14—
Cucumbers—Apr 23 – May 7—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 23 – May 7—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 30 – May 14—
Green beans—Apr 23 – May 7Aug 7 – Aug 21
Sweet corn—Apr 23 – May 7—
BasilMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 23 – May 7—
LettuceFeb 12 – Feb 26Mar 12 – Apr 23Sep 4 – Sep 18
Spinach—Feb 26 – Mar 19Sep 4 – Sep 18
Peas—Feb 26 – Mar 19Aug 21 – Sep 4
Carrots—Mar 12 – Apr 16Aug 7 – Aug 21
Radishes—Mar 5 – Apr 23Sep 18 – Oct 2
BroccoliJan 29 – Feb 12Mar 12 – Mar 26Aug 7 – Aug 21
KaleFeb 12 – Feb 26Mar 5 – Mar 19Aug 21 – Sep 4
Onions—Mar 12 – Mar 26—
Potatoes—Mar 19 – Apr 16—
Garlic——Oct 16 – Nov 20

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Carbondale. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Carbondale

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Carbondale?

The median last spring frost is Apr 9 and the median first fall frost is Oct 30, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Carbondale?

Start seeds indoors Feb 26 – Mar 12 and set plants outside Apr 23 – May 7, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Carbondale?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 30): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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