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Naperville, IL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Naperville usually comes around Apr 27 and the first fall frost around Oct 25, a growing season of about 181 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 16 – Mar 30 and plant them outside May 11 – May 25.

Last spring frostApr 27
First fall frostOct 25
Growing season181 days

When to plant vegetables in Naperville

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 16 – Mar 30May 11 – May 25—
PeppersMar 9 – Mar 23May 18 – Jun 1—
EggplantMar 9 – Mar 23May 18 – Jun 1—
Cucumbers—May 11 – May 25—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 11 – May 25—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 18 – Jun 1—
Green beans—May 11 – May 25Aug 2 – Aug 16
Sweet corn—May 11 – May 25—
BasilMar 30 – Apr 13May 11 – May 25—
LettuceMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 30 – May 11Aug 30 – Sep 13
Spinach—Mar 16 – Apr 6Aug 30 – Sep 13
Peas—Mar 16 – Apr 6Aug 16 – Aug 30
Carrots—Mar 30 – May 4Aug 2 – Aug 16
Radishes—Mar 23 – May 11Sep 13 – Sep 27
BroccoliFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 30 – Apr 13Aug 2 – Aug 16
KaleMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 23 – Apr 6Aug 16 – Aug 30
Onions—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Potatoes—Apr 6 – May 4—
Garlic——Oct 11 – Nov 15

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

Month-by-month planting in Naperville

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, Broccoli, 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, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  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 Naperville?

The median last spring frost is Apr 27 and the median first fall frost is Oct 25, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Naperville?

Start seeds indoors Mar 16 – Mar 30 and set plants outside May 11 – May 25, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Naperville?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 25): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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