Frost Dates for Kewanee, IL 61443
Last spring frost April 22 · First fall frost October 13 · 174 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 61443 has about 13,500 people.
Moderate season: 174 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 9–May 5 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 27–October 29 (32 days).
Frost probability for 61443
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 5 | April 22 | April 9 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 27 | October 13 | October 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at GALVA (12.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 174-day season in Kewanee
In Kewanee (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 18 | May 6–May 13 | 132 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 132 available after May 6. | Jun 13 |
| Pepper | Mar 11 | May 6–May 13 | 132 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 132 available after May 6. | Jun 18 |
| Lettuce | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 1 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 216 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 1. | Aug 11 |
| Cucumber | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Beans | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Peas | — | Feb 25–May 6 | 237 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 237 available after Feb 25. | Aug 2 |
| Zucchini | Apr 8 | May 6–May 13 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Onion | Jan 28 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 209 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 25. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 25–Apr 15 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Kale | Feb 11 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 209 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 209 available after Mar 25. | Jul 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 223 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 25. | Aug 11 |
| Radish | — | Feb 25–May 20 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Oct 20. | Sep 11 |
| Beets | — | Feb 25–May 20 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 8. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 13 | 279 | overwinter: Plant Oct 13 to Nov 3; harvest the following summer. | Nov 3 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 18–May 13 | 230 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 18; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 146 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 146 available after Apr 29. | Jun 25 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 8 | May 6–May 6 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 6. | May 31 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 15. | Jul 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 25 | Apr 8–Apr 8 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 25–May 20 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 25. | Jul 12 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 8 | May 6–May 13 | 139 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 139 available after May 6. | May 31 |
| Eggplant | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 132 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 132 available after May 6. | Jun 23 |
| Okra | Mar 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 153 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Basil | Mar 18 | May 13–May 13 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 25–Apr 15 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Parsley | Feb 11 | Apr 29–May 6 | 174 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 29. | Jul 28 |
| Celery | Feb 11 | Apr 29–May 13 | 174 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 29. | Jun 8 |
| Scallions | Feb 11 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 25 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Collards | Feb 11 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 8 | May 6–May 13 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 6. | Jun 8 |
| Chives | Jan 28 | Apr 29–May 6 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 25–May 20 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Oregano | Feb 11 | Apr 29–May 6 | 188 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 28 | Apr 29–May 6 | 174 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Sage | Feb 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 188 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 11 | Apr 29–May 6 | 188 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Cosmos | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Lavender | Jan 28 | Apr 22–May 6 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 11 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 27 |
| Melons | Apr 8 | May 6–May 13 | 132 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 132 available after May 6. | Jun 8 |
| Mint | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 195 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 22. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 153 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 29. | Jul 12 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 8 | May 6–May 13 | 139 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 139 available after May 6. | Jun 10 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 22–May 6 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 22. | Jul 7 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 25 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 18 |
| Watermelon | Apr 8 | Apr 29–May 6 | 139 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 139 available after Apr 29. | Jun 13 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 8 | May 6–May 13 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Zinnias | Mar 25 | Apr 22–May 6 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
Month by month in Kewanee
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 28), Lavender (Jan 28), Onion (Jan 28), Rosemary (Jan 28). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 11), Collards (Feb 11), Kale (Feb 11), Oregano (Feb 11), Parsley (Feb 11), Scallions (Feb 11), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 25), Beets (Feb 25), Dill (Feb 25), Peas (Feb 25), Radish (Feb 25), Spinach (Feb 25). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 4), Calendula (Mar 11), Cauliflower (Mar 11), Marigolds (Mar 11), Pepper (Mar 11), Basil (Mar 18), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 11), Cilantro (Mar 25), Turnip (Mar 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 25), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 25), Cabbage (Mar 25), Collards (Mar 25), Kale (Mar 25), Lettuce (Mar 25), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 18). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 1), Butternut Squash (Apr 8), Cantaloupe (Apr 8), Melons (Apr 8), Pumpkin (Apr 8), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 8), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 1), Potatoes (Apr 8), Sunflowers (Apr 22), Beans (Apr 29), Pole Beans (Apr 29). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 8), Swiss Chard (Apr 8), Bok Choy (Apr 15), Cauliflower (Apr 15), Cosmos (Apr 22), Lavender (Apr 22), +15 more. Last frost around April 22. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 6), Cantaloupe (May 6), Cucumber (May 6), Eggplant (May 6), Melons (May 6), Pepper (May 6), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 31), Pumpkin (May 31). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 8), Celery (Jun 8), Melons (Jun 8), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 10), Tomato (Jun 13), Watermelon (Jun 13), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 7), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 12), Pole Beans (Jul 12), Basil (Jul 17), Cosmos (Jul 17), Cucumber (Jul 17), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 2), Cabbage (Aug 11), Carrots (Aug 11), Beets (Aug 12), Dill (Aug 12), Swiss Chard (Aug 12), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 10), Spinach (Sep 10), Radish (Sep 11). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 13). First frost around October 13. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 3). |
| 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 Kewanee, IL (ZIP 61443)?
The median last spring frost date for Kewanee, IL (ZIP code 61443) is around April 22. 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 9; one in ten it runs past May 5.
What is the first fall frost date in Kewanee, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Kewanee, IL is around October 13. 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 27 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Kewanee, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Kewanee 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 Kewanee (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 Kewanee, IL?
Kewanee, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (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 Kewanee, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 18 and plant out May 6 in Kewanee. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Kewanee?
Two: plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20.
When do I plant garlic in Kewanee?
Oct 13 to Nov 3; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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