Frost Dates for Oak Forest, IL 60452
Last spring frost April 26 · First fall frost October 14 · 171 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 60452 has about 26,700 people.
Moderate season: 171 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 10–May 13 (33 days). Fall frost risk spans September 28–October 29 (31 days).
Frost probability for 60452
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 13 | April 26 | April 10 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 28 | October 14 | October 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PARK FOREST (14.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 171-day season in Oak Forest
In Oak Forest (171 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 22 | May 10–May 17 | 129 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 129 available after May 10. | Jun 14 |
| Pepper | Mar 15 | May 10–May 17 | 129 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 129 available after May 10. | Jun 19 |
| Lettuce | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 23 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 213 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 5. | Aug 12 |
| Cucumber | Apr 5 | May 10–May 17 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Beans | — | May 3–May 17 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Peas | — | Mar 1–May 10 | 234 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 1. | Aug 3 |
| Zucchini | Apr 12 | May 10–May 17 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Onion | Feb 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 206 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 206 available after Mar 29. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 1–Apr 19 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 11 |
| Kale | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Broccoli | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 206 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 206 available after Mar 29. | Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 29. | Aug 12 |
| Radish | — | Mar 1–May 24 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Oct 21. | Sep 12 |
| Beets | — | Mar 1–May 24 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 14 | 276 | overwinter: Plant Oct 14 to Nov 4; harvest the following summer. | Nov 4 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 22–May 17 | 227 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 22; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 29 | May 3–May 10 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after May 3. | Jun 26 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 12 | May 10–May 10 | 136 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 136 available after May 10. | Jun 1 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 15 | Apr 19–May 3 | 185 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 19. | Jul 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 1 | Apr 12–Apr 12 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 1–May 24 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 11 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 29. | Jul 13 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 12 | May 10–May 17 | 136 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 136 available after May 10. | Jun 1 |
| Eggplant | Mar 8 | May 10–May 17 | 129 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 129 available after May 10. | Jun 24 |
| Okra | Mar 29 | May 3–May 10 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Basil | Mar 22 | May 17–May 17 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 17 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 29–Apr 19 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Parsley | Feb 15 | May 3–May 10 | 171 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 171 available after May 3. | Jul 29 |
| Celery | Feb 15 | May 3–May 17 | 171 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 171 available after May 3. | Jun 9 |
| Scallions | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 22 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 29 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 23 |
| Collards | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 22 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 12 | May 10–May 17 | 129 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 129 available after May 10. | Jun 9 |
| Chives | Feb 1 | May 3–May 10 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after May 3. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 1–May 24 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 13 |
| Oregano | Feb 15 | May 3–May 10 | 185 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 185 available after May 3. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 1 | May 3–May 10 | 171 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 171 available after May 3. | — |
| Sage | Mar 1 | May 3–May 10 | 185 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 185 available after May 3. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 15 | May 3–May 10 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after May 3. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 18 |
| Cosmos | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 10 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
| Lavender | Feb 1 | Apr 26–May 10 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 15 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 28 |
| Melons | Apr 12 | May 10–May 17 | 129 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 129 available after May 10. | Jun 9 |
| Mint | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 26. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 3–May 17 | 150 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 150 available after May 3. | Jul 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 12 | May 10–May 17 | 136 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 136 available after May 10. | Jun 11 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 26–May 10 | 157 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jul 8 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 1 | May 3–May 10 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 19 |
| Watermelon | Apr 12 | May 3–May 10 | 136 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 136 available after May 3. | Jun 14 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 12 | May 10–May 17 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 10 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 23 |
| Zinnias | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 10 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 18; both mature before Sep 30. | Jul 18 |
Month by month in Oak Forest
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 1), Lavender (Feb 1), Onion (Feb 1), Rosemary (Feb 1), Celery (Feb 15), Collards (Feb 15), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 1), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 1), Cabbage (Mar 1), Lettuce (Mar 1), Sage (Mar 1), Swiss Chard (Mar 1), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 1), Beets (Mar 1), Dill (Mar 1), Peas (Mar 1), Radish (Mar 1), Spinach (Mar 1), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 29), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 29), Cabbage (Mar 29), Collards (Mar 29), Kale (Mar 29), Lettuce (Mar 29), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 22). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 5), Butternut Squash (Apr 12), Cantaloupe (Apr 12), Melons (Apr 12), Pumpkin (Apr 12), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 12), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 5), Potatoes (Apr 12), Sunflowers (Apr 26). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 12), Swiss Chard (Apr 12), Bok Choy (Apr 19), Cauliflower (Apr 19), Cosmos (Apr 26), Lavender (Apr 26), +4 more. Last frost around April 26. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 3), Pole Beans (May 3). Transplant from: Celery (May 3), Chives (May 3), Corn (May 3), Okra (May 3), Oregano (May 3), Parsley (May 3), +17 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 Oak Forest, IL (ZIP 60452)?
The median last spring frost date for Oak Forest, IL (ZIP code 60452) is around April 26. 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 10; one in ten it runs past May 13.
What is the first fall frost date in Oak Forest, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Oak Forest, 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 Oak Forest, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Oak Forest is about 171 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 Oak Forest (171 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 Oak Forest, IL?
Oak Forest, 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 Oak Forest, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 22 and plant out May 10 in Oak Forest. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Oak Forest?
Two: plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 21.
When do I plant garlic in Oak Forest?
Oct 14 to Nov 4; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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