Frost Dates for Macomb, IL 61455
Last spring frost April 19 · First fall frost October 14 · 178 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 61455 has about 17,300 people.
Moderate season: 178 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 6–May 2 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans September 28–October 29 (31 days).
Frost probability for 61455
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 2 | April 19 | April 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 28 | October 14 | October 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MONMOUTH (56.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 178-day season in Macomb
In Macomb (178 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 | 136 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 14 |
| Pepper | Mar 8 | May 3–May 10 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 19 |
| Lettuce | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 23 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 220 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 29. | Aug 12 |
| Cucumber | Mar 29 | May 3–May 10 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Beans | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Peas | — | Feb 22–May 3 | 241 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 241 available after Feb 22. | Aug 3 |
| Zucchini | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Onion | Jan 25 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 213 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 22. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 22–Apr 12 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 11 |
| Kale | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Broccoli | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 213 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 22. | Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 227 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 22. | Aug 12 |
| Radish | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Oct 21. | Sep 12 |
| Beets | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 5. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 14 | 283 | overwinter: Plant Oct 14 to Nov 4; harvest the following summer. | Nov 4 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 15–May 10 | 234 | 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 | 150 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 26 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 5 | May 3–May 3 | 143 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 143 available after May 3. | Jun 1 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 8 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 192 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 12. | Jul 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 22 | Apr 5–Apr 5 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 11 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 22 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 227 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 22. | Jul 13 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 143 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 143 available after May 3. | Jun 1 |
| Eggplant | Mar 1 | May 3–May 10 | 136 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 24 |
| Okra | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Basil | Mar 15 | May 10–May 10 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 22–Apr 12 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Parsley | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 178 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 26. | Jul 29 |
| Celery | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 10 | 178 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 26. | Jun 9 |
| Scallions | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 22 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 8–Mar 22 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 8 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 22 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 23 |
| Collards | Feb 8 | Mar 22–Apr 5 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 22 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 136 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 9 |
| Chives | Jan 25 | Apr 26–May 3 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 22–May 17 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Oregano | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 192 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 25 | Apr 26–May 3 | 178 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Sage | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 192 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 8 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Cosmos | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Lavender | Jan 25 | Apr 19–May 3 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 8 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Melons | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 136 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 9 |
| Mint | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 22 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 157 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jul 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 3. | Jun 11 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 164 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | Jul 8 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 19 |
| Watermelon | Apr 5 | Apr 26–May 3 | 143 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 26. | Jun 14 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 5 | May 3–May 10 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Zinnias | Mar 22 | Apr 19–May 3 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
Month by month in Macomb
| 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. |
| 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 Macomb, IL (ZIP 61455)?
The median last spring frost date for Macomb, IL (ZIP code 61455) 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 2.
What is the first fall frost date in Macomb, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Macomb, 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 Macomb, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Macomb is about 178 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 Macomb (178 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 Macomb, IL?
Macomb, 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 Macomb, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 15 and plant out May 3 in Macomb. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Macomb?
Two: plant Mar 22 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21.
When do I plant garlic in Macomb?
Oct 14 to Nov 4; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Burlington (ZIP 52601) has 188 frost-free days, 10 more than Macomb (ZIP 61455). See Burlington ZIP 52601 frost dates
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