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Chicago, IL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Chicago usually comes around Apr 6 and the first fall frost around Nov 7, a growing season of about 215 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9 and plant them outside Apr 20 – May 4.

Last spring frostApr 6
First fall frostNov 7
Growing season215 days

When to plant vegetables in Chicago

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – May 4—
PeppersFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 27 – May 11—
EggplantFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 27 – May 11—
Cucumbers—Apr 20 – May 4—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 20 – May 4—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 27 – May 11—
Green beans—Apr 20 – May 4Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sweet corn—Apr 20 – May 4—
BasilMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 20 – May 4—
LettuceFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 9 – Apr 20Sep 12 – Sep 26
Spinach—Feb 23 – Mar 16Sep 12 – Sep 26
Peas—Feb 23 – Mar 16Aug 29 – Sep 12
Carrots—Mar 9 – Apr 13Aug 15 – Aug 29
Radishes—Mar 2 – Apr 20Sep 26 – Oct 10
BroccoliJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 9 – Mar 23Aug 15 – Aug 29
KaleFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 2 – Mar 16Aug 29 – Sep 12
Onions—Mar 9 – Mar 23—
Potatoes—Mar 16 – Apr 13—
Garlic——Oct 24 – Nov 28

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

Month-by-month planting in Chicago

  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 Chicago?

The median last spring frost is Apr 6 and the median first fall frost is Nov 7, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Chicago?

Start seeds indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9 and set plants outside Apr 20 – May 4, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Chicago?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 7): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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