Frost Dates for Mahomet, IL 61853
Last spring frost April 20 · First fall frost October 12 · 175 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 61853 has about 14,800 people.
Moderate season: 175 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 4–May 5 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans September 27–October 27 (30 days).
Frost probability for 61853
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 5 | April 20 | April 4 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 27 | October 12 | October 27 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at TUSCOLA (48.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 175-day season in Mahomet
In Mahomet (175 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 16 | May 4–May 11 | 133 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 133 available after May 4. | Jun 12 |
| Pepper | Mar 9 | May 4–May 11 | 133 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 133 available after May 4. | Jun 17 |
| Lettuce | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Mar 30 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 217 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 30. | Aug 10 |
| Cucumber | Mar 30 | May 4–May 11 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Beans | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Peas | — | Feb 23–May 4 | 238 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 238 available after Feb 23. | Aug 1 |
| Zucchini | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Onion | Jan 26 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 210 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 23. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 23–Apr 13 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Kale | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Broccoli | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 210 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 23. | Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 224 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 23. | Aug 10 |
| Radish | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Oct 19. | Sep 10 |
| Beets | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 6. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 12 | 280 | overwinter: Plant Oct 12 to Nov 2; harvest the following summer. | Nov 2 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 16–May 11 | 231 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 16; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 147 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 147 available after Apr 27. | Jun 24 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 6 | May 4–May 4 | 140 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | May 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 189 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 13. | Jul 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 23 | Apr 6–Apr 6 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 224 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 23. | Jul 11 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | May 30 |
| Eggplant | Mar 2 | May 4–May 11 | 133 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 133 available after May 4. | Jun 22 |
| Okra | Mar 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 154 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Basil | Mar 16 | May 11–May 11 | 140 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 23–Apr 13 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Parsley | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 175 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 27. | Jul 27 |
| Celery | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 11 | 175 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 27. | Jun 7 |
| Scallions | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 23 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Collards | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 133 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 133 available after May 4. | Jun 7 |
| Chives | Jan 26 | Apr 27–May 4 | 189 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 23–May 18 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Oregano | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 189 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 26 | Apr 27–May 4 | 175 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Sage | Feb 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 189 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 9 | Apr 27–May 4 | 189 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Cosmos | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Lavender | Jan 26 | Apr 20–May 4 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 9 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Melons | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 133 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 133 available after May 4. | Jun 7 |
| Mint | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 196 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 154 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 154 available after Apr 27. | Jul 11 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 140 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 140 available after May 4. | Jun 9 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 161 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 161 available after Apr 20. | Jul 6 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 23 | Apr 27–May 4 | 140 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 140 available after Apr 27. | Jun 17 |
| Watermelon | Apr 6 | Apr 27–May 4 | 140 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 140 available after Apr 27. | Jun 12 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 6 | May 4–May 11 | 147 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Zinnias | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 161 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
Month by month in Mahomet
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 26), Lavender (Jan 26), Onion (Jan 26), Rosemary (Jan 26). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 9), Collards (Feb 9), Kale (Feb 9), Oregano (Feb 9), Parsley (Feb 9), Scallions (Feb 9), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 23), Beets (Feb 23), Dill (Feb 23), Peas (Feb 23), Radish (Feb 23), Spinach (Feb 23). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 2), Calendula (Mar 9), Cauliflower (Mar 9), Marigolds (Mar 9), Pepper (Mar 9), Basil (Mar 16), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 9), Cilantro (Mar 23), Turnip (Mar 23), Carrots (Mar 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 23), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 23), Cabbage (Mar 23), Collards (Mar 23), Kale (Mar 23), Lettuce (Mar 23), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 16). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 6), Cantaloupe (Apr 6), Melons (Apr 6), Pumpkin (Apr 6), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 6), Watermelon (Apr 6), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 6), Sunflowers (Apr 20), Beans (Apr 27), Pole Beans (Apr 27). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 6), Swiss Chard (Apr 6), Bok Choy (Apr 13), Cauliflower (Apr 13), Cosmos (Apr 20), Lavender (Apr 20), +15 more. Last frost around April 20. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 4), Cantaloupe (May 4), Cucumber (May 4), Eggplant (May 4), Melons (May 4), Pepper (May 4), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 30), Pumpkin (May 30). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 7), Celery (Jun 7), Melons (Jun 7), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 9), Tomato (Jun 12), Watermelon (Jun 12), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 6), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 11), Pole Beans (Jul 11), Basil (Jul 16), Cosmos (Jul 16), Cucumber (Jul 16), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 1), Cabbage (Aug 10), Carrots (Aug 10), Beets (Aug 11), Dill (Aug 11), Swiss Chard (Aug 11), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 9), Spinach (Sep 9), Radish (Sep 10). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 12). First frost around October 12. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 2). |
| 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 Mahomet, IL (ZIP 61853)?
The median last spring frost date for Mahomet, IL (ZIP code 61853) is around April 20. 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 4; one in ten it runs past May 5.
What is the first fall frost date in Mahomet, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Mahomet, IL is around October 12. 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 Mahomet, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Mahomet is about 175 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 Mahomet (175 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 Mahomet, IL?
Mahomet, 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 Mahomet, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 16 and plant out May 4 in Mahomet. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Mahomet?
Two: plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19.
When do I plant garlic in Mahomet?
Oct 12 to Nov 2; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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