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Des Plaines, IL planting calendar

When to plant vegetables in Des Plaines, IL (USDA hardiness zone 6a). Typical last spring frost around Apr 16, 2026 11 days year to year), first fall frost around Oct 28, 202611 days).

Playing it safe? Spring frost holds off until about Apr 30, 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:

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Still time to plant

As of today, these crops can still reach harvest before Des Plaines, IL’s first frost (~Oct 28, 2026) — fastest first.

Month by month in Des Plaines, IL

January

February

March

April

May

August

September

Understand your frost dates

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