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Rockford, IL planting calendar

When to plant vegetables in Rockford, IL (USDA hardiness zone 5b). Typical last spring frost around Apr 24, 2026 11 days year to year), first fall frost around Oct 17, 202611 days).

Playing it safe? Spring frost holds off until about May 8, 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 Rockford, IL’s first frost (~Oct 17, 2026) — fastest first.

Month by month in Rockford, IL

January

February

March

April

May

August

Understand your frost dates

Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location in Rockford, IL (covering 9 ZIPs); your exact dates depend on your address. Schedules are guidance, not guarantees.