Frost Dates for East Saint Louis, IL 62203
East Saint Louis has 6 ZIP codes. The East Saint Louis, IL frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 13 · First fall frost October 16 · 186 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 62203 has about 5,470 people, one of 6 ZIP codes in East Saint Louis.
Long season: 186 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 30–April 26 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans September 29–November 2 (34 days).
Frost probability for 62203
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 26 | April 13 | March 30 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 29 | October 16 | November 2 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CAHOKIA (11.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 186-day season in East Saint Louis
In East Saint Louis (186 frost-free days, a long 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 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 144 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 27. | Jun 16 |
| Pepper | Mar 2 | Apr 27–May 4 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 27. | Jun 21 |
| Lettuce | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 23 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 25 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 23–Mar 30 | 228 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 23. | Aug 14 |
| Cucumber | Mar 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
| Beans | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 9. | Jul 27 |
| Peas | — | Feb 16–Apr 27 | 249 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 249 available after Feb 16. | Aug 5 |
| Zucchini | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Onion | Jan 19 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 221 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 16. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 16–Apr 6 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 13 |
| Kale | Feb 2 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Broccoli | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 221 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 16. | Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 235 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 16. | Aug 14 |
| Radish | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Oct 23. | Sep 14 |
| Beets | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Mar 30. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 16 | 291 | overwinter: Plant Oct 16 to Nov 6; harvest the following summer. | Nov 6 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 9–May 4 | 242 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 9; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 158 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 20. | Jun 28 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 30 | Apr 27–Apr 27 | 151 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 27. | Jun 3 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 2 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 200 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 6. | Jul 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Mar 30 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 13 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 16 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 235 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 16. | Jul 15 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 151 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 27. | Jun 3 |
| Eggplant | Feb 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 144 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 27. | Jun 26 |
| Okra | Mar 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Basil | Mar 9 | May 4–May 4 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 16–Apr 6 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 20 |
| Parsley | Feb 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 186 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 20. | Jul 31 |
| Celery | Feb 2 | Apr 20–May 4 | 186 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 20. | Jun 11 |
| Scallions | Feb 2 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 3 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 2–Mar 16 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 16 | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 25 |
| Collards | Feb 2 | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 144 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 27. | Jun 11 |
| Chives | Jan 19 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 16–May 11 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 16 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Oregano | Feb 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 200 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 19 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 186 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Sage | Feb 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 200 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 20 |
| Cosmos | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
| Lavender | Jan 19 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 2 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 30 |
| Melons | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 144 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 27. | Jun 11 |
| Mint | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 165 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jul 15 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 27. | Jun 13 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 172 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 13. | Jul 10 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 151 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 20. | Jun 21 |
| Watermelon | Mar 30 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 151 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 20. | Jun 16 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Zinnias | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 20 |
Month by month in East Saint Louis
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 19), Lavender (Jan 19), Onion (Jan 19), Rosemary (Jan 19). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 2), Collards (Feb 2), Kale (Feb 2), Oregano (Feb 2), Parsley (Feb 2), Scallions (Feb 2), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 16), Beets (Feb 16), Dill (Feb 16), Peas (Feb 16), Radish (Feb 16), Spinach (Feb 16). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 2), Cauliflower (Mar 2), Marigolds (Mar 2), Pepper (Mar 2), Basil (Mar 9), Tomato (Mar 9), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 2), Cilantro (Mar 16), Turnip (Mar 16), Carrots (Mar 23), Potatoes (Mar 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 16), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 16), Cabbage (Mar 16), Collards (Mar 16), Kale (Mar 16), Lettuce (Mar 16), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 9). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 13), Beans (Apr 20), Pole Beans (Apr 20). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 6), Cauliflower (Apr 6), Cosmos (Apr 13), Lavender (Apr 13), Marigolds (Apr 13), Mint (Apr 13), +24 more. Last frost around April 13. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 4). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 3), Pumpkin (Jun 3), Cantaloupe (Jun 11), Celery (Jun 11), Melons (Jun 11), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 13), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 10), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 15), Pole Beans (Jul 15), Basil (Jul 20), Cosmos (Jul 20), Cucumber (Jul 20), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 5), Cabbage (Aug 14), Carrots (Aug 14), Beets (Aug 15), Dill (Aug 15), Swiss Chard (Aug 15), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 3), Arugula (Sep 13), Spinach (Sep 13), Radish (Sep 14). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 16). First frost around October 16. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 6). |
| 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 East Saint Louis, IL (ZIP 62203)?
The median last spring frost date for East Saint Louis, IL (ZIP code 62203) is around April 13. 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 March 30; one in ten it runs past April 26.
What is the first fall frost date in East Saint Louis, IL?
The median first fall frost date for East Saint Louis, IL is around October 16. 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 29 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in East Saint Louis, IL?
The frost-free growing season in East Saint Louis is about 186 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 East Saint Louis (186 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is East Saint Louis, IL?
East Saint Louis, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (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 East Saint Louis, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 9 and plant out Apr 27 in East Saint Louis. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in East Saint Louis?
Two: plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 23.
When do I plant garlic in East Saint Louis?
Oct 16 to Nov 6; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in East Saint Louis?
Yes: plant out Apr 27 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 16 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
East Saint Louis (ZIP 62206) has 195 frost-free days, 9 more than East Saint Louis (ZIP 62203). See East Saint Louis ZIP 62206 frost dates
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