Frost Dates for Highland, IL 62249
Last spring frost April 12 · First fall frost October 14 · 185 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 62249 has about 16,200 people.
Long season: 185 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 31–April 25 (25 days). Fall frost risk spans September 28–October 30 (32 days).
Frost probability for 62249
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 25 | April 12 | March 31 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 28 | October 14 | October 30 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CARLYLE RSVR (29.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 185-day season in Highland
In Highland (185 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 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 14 |
| Pepper | Mar 1 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 19 |
| Lettuce | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 22 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 23 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 227 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 22. | Aug 12 |
| Cucumber | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Peas | — | Feb 15–Apr 26 | 248 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 248 available after Feb 15. | Aug 3 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Onion | Jan 18 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 220 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 15–Apr 5 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 11 |
| Kale | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Broccoli | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 220 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 15. | Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 15. | Aug 12 |
| Radish | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Oct 21. | Sep 12 |
| Beets | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Mar 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 14 | 290 | overwinter: Plant Oct 14 to Nov 4; harvest the following summer. | Nov 4 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 8–May 3 | 241 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 157 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 19. | Jun 26 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | Apr 26–Apr 26 | 150 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 1 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 199 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 5. | Jul 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Mar 29 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 11 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 15. | Jul 13 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 1 |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 24 |
| Okra | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Basil | Mar 8 | May 3–May 3 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 15–Apr 5 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Parsley | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 185 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 19. | Jul 29 |
| Celery | Feb 1 | Apr 19–May 3 | 185 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 19. | Jun 9 |
| Scallions | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 22 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 1–Mar 15 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 15 | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 23 |
| Collards | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 22 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 9 |
| Chives | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Oregano | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 199 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 185 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Sage | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 199 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Cosmos | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Lavender | Jan 18 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 1 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Melons | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 9 |
| Mint | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 164 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | Jul 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 11 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 171 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 12. | Jul 8 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 150 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 19. | Jun 19 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 150 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 19. | Jun 14 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Zinnias | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
Month by month in Highland
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 18), Lavender (Jan 18), Onion (Jan 18), Rosemary (Jan 18). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 1), Collards (Feb 1), Kale (Feb 1), Oregano (Feb 1), Parsley (Feb 1), Scallions (Feb 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 15), Beets (Feb 15), Dill (Feb 15), Peas (Feb 15), Radish (Feb 15), Spinach (Feb 15). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 1), Cauliflower (Mar 1), Marigolds (Mar 1), Pepper (Mar 1), Basil (Mar 8), Tomato (Mar 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 1), Cilantro (Mar 15), Turnip (Mar 15), Carrots (Mar 22), Potatoes (Mar 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 15), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 15), Cabbage (Mar 15), Collards (Mar 15), Kale (Mar 15), Lettuce (Mar 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 8). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 12), Beans (Apr 19), Pole Beans (Apr 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 5), Cauliflower (Apr 5), Cosmos (Apr 12), Lavender (Apr 12), Marigolds (Apr 12), Mint (Apr 12), +24 more. Last frost around April 12. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 3). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 1), Pumpkin (Jun 1), Cantaloupe (Jun 9), Celery (Jun 9), Melons (Jun 9), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 11), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 8), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 13), Pole Beans (Jul 13), Basil (Jul 18), Cosmos (Jul 18), Cucumber (Jul 18), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 3), Cabbage (Aug 12), Carrots (Aug 12), Beets (Aug 13), Dill (Aug 13), Swiss Chard (Aug 13), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 1), Arugula (Sep 11), Spinach (Sep 11), Radish (Sep 12). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 14). First frost around October 14. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 4). |
| 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 Highland, IL (ZIP 62249)?
The median last spring frost date for Highland, IL (ZIP code 62249) is around April 12. 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 31; one in ten it runs past April 25.
What is the first fall frost date in Highland, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Highland, IL is around October 14. 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 28 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Highland, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Highland is about 185 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 Highland (185 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 Highland, IL?
Highland, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (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 Highland, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 8 and plant out Apr 26 in Highland. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Highland?
Two: plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21.
When do I plant garlic in Highland?
Oct 14 to Nov 4; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Highland?
Yes: plant out Apr 26 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 14 for a fall crop.
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