Skip to main content

Crystal Lake, IL planting calendar

When to plant vegetables in Crystal Lake, IL (USDA hardiness zone 5b). Typical last spring frost around Apr 25, 2026 11 days year to year), first fall frost around Oct 22, 202611 days).

Playing it safe? Spring frost holds off until about May 9, 2026 in roughly 9 years out of 10 — a good target for tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Want exact dates for your address, a drag-and-drop bed layout, and reminders when it’s time to sow? Enter your ZIP:

Or get a printable Crystal Lake calendar and sowing reminders by email:

Still time to plant

As of today, these crops can still reach harvest before Crystal Lake, IL’s first frost (~Oct 22, 2026) — fastest first.

Month by month in Crystal Lake, IL

January

February

March

April

May

August

Understand your frost dates

Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location in Crystal Lake, IL (covering 2 ZIPs); your exact dates depend on your address. Schedules are guidance, not guarantees.