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Rockford, IL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Rockford usually comes around Apr 27 and the first fall frost around Oct 21, a growing season of about 177 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 16 – Mar 30 and plant them outside May 11 – May 25.

Last spring frostApr 27
First fall frostOct 21
Growing season177 days

When to plant vegetables in Rockford

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 25Jul 29 – Aug 12
Sweet corn—May 11 – May 25—
BasilMar 30 – Apr 13May 11 – May 25—
LettuceMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 30 – May 11Aug 26 – Sep 9
Spinach—Mar 16 – Apr 6Aug 26 – Sep 9
Peas—Mar 16 – Apr 6Aug 12 – Aug 26
Carrots—Mar 30 – May 4Jul 29 – Aug 12
Radishes—Mar 23 – May 11Sep 9 – Sep 23
BroccoliFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 30 – Apr 13Jul 29 – Aug 12
KaleMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 23 – Apr 6Aug 12 – Aug 26
Onions—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Potatoes—Apr 6 – May 4—
Garlic——Oct 7 – Nov 11

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

Month-by-month planting in Rockford

  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. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  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 Rockford?

The median last spring frost is Apr 27 and the median first fall frost is Oct 21, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Rockford?

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 Rockford?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 21): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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