Frost Dates for Mattoon, IL 61938
Last spring frost April 18 · First fall frost October 18 · 183 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 61938 has about 20,400 people.
Long season: 183 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 2–May 3 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans October 1–November 1 (31 days).
Frost probability for 61938
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 3 | April 18 | April 2 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 1 | October 18 | November 1 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CHARLESTON (18.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 183-day season in Mattoon
In Mattoon (183 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 14 | May 2–May 9 | 141 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 141 available after May 2. | Jun 18 |
| Pepper | Mar 7 | May 2–May 9 | 141 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 141 available after May 2. | Jun 23 |
| Lettuce | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 27 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 225 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 225 available after Mar 28. | Aug 16 |
| Cucumber | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 22 |
| Beans | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
| Peas | — | Feb 21–May 2 | 246 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 246 available after Feb 21. | Aug 7 |
| Zucchini | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Onion | Jan 24 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 218 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 218 available after Mar 21. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 21–Apr 11 | 260 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 8. | Sep 15 |
| Kale | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 232 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 8. | Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 218 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 218 available after Mar 21. | Jul 23 |
| Cabbage | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 232 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 232 available after Mar 21. | Aug 16 |
| Radish | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 246 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Oct 25. | Sep 16 |
| Beets | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 246 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 17 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 204 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 4. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 18 | 288 | overwinter: Plant Oct 18 to Nov 8; harvest the following summer. | Nov 8 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 14–May 9 | 239 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 14; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 155 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 155 available after Apr 25. | Jun 30 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 4 | May 2–May 2 | 148 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 148 available after May 2. | Jun 5 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 7 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 197 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 11. | Jul 28 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 21 | Apr 4–Apr 4 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 17 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 260 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 8. | Sep 15 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 232 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 232 available after Mar 21. | Jul 17 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 148 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 148 available after May 2. | Jun 5 |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 141 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 141 available after May 2. | Jun 28 |
| Okra | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Basil | Mar 14 | May 9–May 9 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 22 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 21–Apr 11 | 218 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 22 |
| Parsley | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 183 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 25. | Aug 2 |
| Celery | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 9 | 183 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 25. | Jun 13 |
| Scallions | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 232 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 8. | Aug 26 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 232 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 8. | Sep 5 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 246 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 8. | Aug 31 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 21 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 27 |
| Collards | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 232 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 8. | Aug 26 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 141 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 141 available after May 2. | Jun 13 |
| Chives | Jan 24 | Apr 25–May 2 | 197 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 246 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 17 |
| Oregano | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 197 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 24 | Apr 25–May 2 | 183 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Sage | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 197 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 197 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 197 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 25. | Aug 22 |
| Cosmos | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 22 |
| Lavender | Jan 24 | Apr 18–May 2 | 204 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 7 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 4. | Aug 1 |
| Melons | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 141 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 141 available after May 2. | Jun 13 |
| Mint | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 204 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 21 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 162 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 25. | Jul 17 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 148 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 148 available after May 2. | Jun 15 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 169 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 18. | Jul 12 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 148 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 148 available after Apr 25. | Jun 23 |
| Watermelon | Apr 4 | Apr 25–May 2 | 148 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 148 available after Apr 25. | Jun 18 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Zinnias | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 22 |
Month by month in Mattoon
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 24), Lavender (Jan 24), Onion (Jan 24), Rosemary (Jan 24). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 7), Collards (Feb 7), Kale (Feb 7), Oregano (Feb 7), Parsley (Feb 7), Scallions (Feb 7), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 21), Beets (Feb 21), Dill (Feb 21), Peas (Feb 21), Radish (Feb 21), Spinach (Feb 21). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 7), Cauliflower (Mar 7), Marigolds (Mar 7), Pepper (Mar 7), Basil (Mar 14), Tomato (Mar 14), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 7), Cilantro (Mar 21), Turnip (Mar 21), Carrots (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 21), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 21), Cabbage (Mar 21), Collards (Mar 21), Kale (Mar 21), Lettuce (Mar 21), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 14). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 4), Cantaloupe (Apr 4), Melons (Apr 4), Pumpkin (Apr 4), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 4), Watermelon (Apr 4), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 4), Sunflowers (Apr 18), Beans (Apr 25), Pole Beans (Apr 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 4), Swiss Chard (Apr 4), Bok Choy (Apr 11), Cauliflower (Apr 11), Cosmos (Apr 18), Lavender (Apr 18), +15 more. Last frost around April 18. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 2), Cantaloupe (May 2), Cucumber (May 2), Eggplant (May 2), Melons (May 2), Pepper (May 2), +6 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 5), Pumpkin (Jun 5), Cantaloupe (Jun 13), Celery (Jun 13), Melons (Jun 13), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 15), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 12), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 17), Pole Beans (Jul 17), Basil (Jul 22), Cosmos (Jul 22), Cucumber (Jul 22), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 1), Parsley (Aug 2), Peas (Aug 7), Cabbage (Aug 16), Carrots (Aug 16), Beets (Aug 17), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 5), Arugula (Sep 15), Spinach (Sep 15), Radish (Sep 16). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 18). First frost around October 18. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 8). |
| 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 Mattoon, IL (ZIP 61938)?
The median last spring frost date for Mattoon, IL (ZIP code 61938) is around April 18. 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 2; one in ten it runs past May 3.
What is the first fall frost date in Mattoon, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Mattoon, IL is around October 18. 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 October 1 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Mattoon, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Mattoon is about 183 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 Mattoon (183 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 Mattoon, IL?
Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 14 and plant out May 2 in Mattoon. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Mattoon?
Two: plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Oct 25.
When do I plant garlic in Mattoon?
Oct 18 to Nov 8; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Mattoon?
Yes: plant out May 2 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 18 for a fall crop.
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