Frost Dates for Canton, IL 61520
Last spring frost April 19 · First fall frost October 10 · 174 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 61520 has about 16,300 people.
Moderate season: 174 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 6–May 3 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans September 26–October 24 (28 days).
Frost probability for 61520
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 3 | April 19 | April 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 26 | October 10 | October 24 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at HAVANA (26.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 174-day season in Canton
In Canton (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 15 | May 3–May 10 | 132 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 132 available after May 3. | Jun 10 |
| Pepper | Mar 8 | May 3–May 10 | 132 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 132 available after May 3. | Jun 15 |
| Lettuce | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 19 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 216 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 29. | Aug 8 |
| Cucumber | Mar 29 | May 3–May 10 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 14 |
| Beans | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Peas | — | Feb 22–May 3 | 237 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 237 available after Feb 22. | Jul 30 |
| Zucchini | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 19 |
| Onion | Jan 25 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 209 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 22. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 22–Apr 12 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 7 |
| Kale | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Broccoli | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 209 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 22. | Jul 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 223 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 22. | Aug 8 |
| Radish | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Oct 17. | Sep 8 |
| Beets | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 5. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 10 | 279 | overwinter: Plant Oct 10 to Oct 31; harvest the following summer. | Oct 31 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 15–May 10 | 230 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 15; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 146 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 26. | Jun 22 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 5 | May 3–May 3 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 3. | May 28 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 8 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 12. | Jul 20 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 22 | Apr 5–Apr 5 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 7 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 22. | Jul 9 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 3. | May 28 |
| Eggplant | Mar 1 | May 3–May 10 | 132 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 132 available after May 3. | Jun 20 |
| Okra | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 19 |
| Basil | Mar 15 | May 10–May 10 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 14 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 22–Apr 12 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 14 |
| Parsley | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 174 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 26. | Jul 25 |
| Celery | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 10 | 174 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 26. | Jun 5 |
| Scallions | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 18 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 8–Mar 22 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 8 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 22 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 19 |
| Collards | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 18 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 3. | Jun 5 |
| Chives | Jan 25 | Apr 26–May 3 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 9 |
| Oregano | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 188 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 25 | Apr 26–May 3 | 174 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Sage | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 8 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 14 |
| Cosmos | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 14 |
| Lavender | Jan 25 | Apr 19–May 3 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 8 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 24 |
| Melons | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 3. | Jun 5 |
| Mint | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 22 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 19 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 153 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 26. | Jul 9 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 139 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 139 available after May 3. | Jun 7 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 19. | Jul 4 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 26. | Jun 15 |
| Watermelon | Apr 5 | Apr 26–May 3 | 139 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 26. | Jun 10 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 19 |
| Zinnias | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 14; both mature before Sep 26. | Jul 14 |
Month by month in Canton
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 25), Lavender (Jan 25), Onion (Jan 25), Rosemary (Jan 25). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 8), Collards (Feb 8), Kale (Feb 8), Oregano (Feb 8), Parsley (Feb 8), Scallions (Feb 8), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 22), Beets (Feb 22), Dill (Feb 22), Peas (Feb 22), Radish (Feb 22), Spinach (Feb 22). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 1), Calendula (Mar 8), Cauliflower (Mar 8), Marigolds (Mar 8), Pepper (Mar 8), Basil (Mar 15), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 8), Cilantro (Mar 22), Turnip (Mar 22), Carrots (Mar 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 22), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 22), Cabbage (Mar 22), Collards (Mar 22), Kale (Mar 22), Lettuce (Mar 22), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 15). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 5), Cantaloupe (Apr 5), Melons (Apr 5), Pumpkin (Apr 5), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 5), Watermelon (Apr 5), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 5), Sunflowers (Apr 19), Beans (Apr 26), Pole Beans (Apr 26). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 5), Swiss Chard (Apr 5), Bok Choy (Apr 12), Cauliflower (Apr 12), Cosmos (Apr 19), Lavender (Apr 19), +15 more. Last frost around April 19. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 3), Cantaloupe (May 3), Cucumber (May 3), Eggplant (May 3), Melons (May 3), Pepper (May 3), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 28), Pumpkin (May 28). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 5), Celery (Jun 5), Melons (Jun 5), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 7), Tomato (Jun 10), Watermelon (Jun 10), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 4), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 9), Pole Beans (Jul 9), Basil (Jul 14), Cosmos (Jul 14), Cucumber (Jul 14), +11 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 8), Carrots (Aug 8), Beets (Aug 9), Dill (Aug 9), Swiss Chard (Aug 9), Calendula (Aug 14), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 7), Spinach (Sep 7), Radish (Sep 8). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 10). First frost around October 10. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 31). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Canton, IL (ZIP 61520)?
The median last spring frost date for Canton, IL (ZIP code 61520) is around April 19. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 6; one in ten it runs past May 3.
What is the first fall frost date in Canton, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Canton, IL is around October 10. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 26 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Canton, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Canton is about 174 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Canton (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Canton, IL?
Canton, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Canton, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 15 and plant out May 3 in Canton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Canton?
Two: plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 17.
When do I plant garlic in Canton?
Oct 10 to Oct 31; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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