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Champaign, IL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Champaign usually comes around Apr 22 and the first fall frost around Oct 20, a growing season of about 181 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25 and plant them outside May 6 – May 20.

Last spring frostApr 22
First fall frostOct 20
Growing season181 days

When to plant vegetables in Champaign

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 20—
PeppersMar 4 – Mar 18May 13 – May 27—
EggplantMar 4 – Mar 18May 13 – May 27—
Cucumbers—May 6 – May 20—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 6 – May 20—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 13 – May 27—
Green beans—May 6 – May 20Jul 28 – Aug 11
Sweet corn—May 6 – May 20—
BasilMar 25 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20—
LettuceFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – May 6Aug 25 – Sep 8
Spinach—Mar 11 – Apr 1Aug 25 – Sep 8
Peas—Mar 11 – Apr 1Aug 11 – Aug 25
Carrots—Mar 25 – Apr 29Jul 28 – Aug 11
Radishes—Mar 18 – May 6Sep 8 – Sep 22
BroccoliFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8Jul 28 – Aug 11
KaleFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 18 – Apr 1Aug 11 – Aug 25
Onions—Mar 25 – Apr 8—
Potatoes—Apr 1 – Apr 29—
Garlic——Oct 6 – Nov 10

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

Month-by-month planting in Champaign

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

The median last spring frost is Apr 22 and the median first fall frost is Oct 20, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Champaign?

Start seeds indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25 and set plants outside May 6 – May 20, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Champaign?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 20): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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