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Springfield, IL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Springfield usually comes around Apr 17 and the first fall frost around Oct 21, a growing season of about 187 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20 and plant them outside May 1 – May 15.

Last spring frostApr 17
First fall frostOct 21
Growing season187 days

When to plant vegetables in Springfield

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 15—
PeppersFeb 27 – Mar 13May 8 – May 22—
EggplantFeb 27 – Mar 13May 8 – May 22—
Cucumbers—May 1 – May 15—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 1 – May 15—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 8 – May 22—
Green beans—May 1 – May 15Jul 29 – Aug 12
Sweet corn—May 1 – May 15—
BasilMar 20 – Apr 3May 1 – May 15—
LettuceFeb 20 – Mar 6Mar 20 – May 1Aug 26 – Sep 9
Spinach—Mar 6 – Mar 27Aug 26 – Sep 9
Peas—Mar 6 – Mar 27Aug 12 – Aug 26
Carrots—Mar 20 – Apr 24Jul 29 – Aug 12
Radishes—Mar 13 – May 1Sep 9 – Sep 23
BroccoliFeb 6 – Feb 20Mar 20 – Apr 3Jul 29 – Aug 12
KaleFeb 20 – Mar 6Mar 13 – Mar 27Aug 12 – Aug 26
Onions—Mar 20 – Apr 3—
Potatoes—Mar 27 – Apr 24—
Garlic——Oct 7 – Nov 11

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

Month-by-month planting in Springfield

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  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 Springfield?

The median last spring frost is Apr 17 and the median first fall frost is Oct 21, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Springfield?

Start seeds indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20 and set plants outside May 1 – May 15, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Springfield?

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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