When to Plant in Chicago, IL

Chicago's lakefront location creates a complex microclimate — Lake Michigan moderates summer heat but can delay spring and extend fall. Zone 6a with a last frost around April 25, but the urban heat island warms the city center, while lakefront areas can be significantly cooler.

Chicago gardeners work with a roughly 160-day growing season. Starting seeds indoors is essential for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. The city's excellent community garden network and growing rooftop garden movement make urban growing increasingly accessible.

This month in Chicago: November 2026

Chicago's first frost usually comes around October 14, so by November most gardens have had a few. What's still standing is the tough stuff: kale, spinach, carrots, leeks, and Brussels sprouts. They'll keep going through the cold snaps and taste better for it.

Early November is still fine for planting garlic if you didn't get to it in October. Set the cloves pointy end up, about two inches deep, and wait until the soil starts to freeze before you mulch.

The leaves coming down now are free mulch. Run the mower over a pile to shred them and spread a few inches over the empty beds. By spring the worms will have worked most of it into the soil.

Updated November 3, 2026

What to plant now in Chicago

Spring: After April 25 last frost — warm-season crops. Cool-season crops from late March.
Summer: Full summer garden. Lake breezes moderate heat.
Fall: Broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and carrots for September–October harvest.
Winter: Garlic planted in October. Planning and indoor seed starting from late February.

In Chicago (172 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Chicago

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Plan garden layout. Research varieties.
February	Start onion seeds indoors. Begin preparing for seed starting season.
March	Start tomato, pepper, and eggplant seeds indoors. Direct sow spinach outside with protection.
April	Transplant cold-hardy seedlings outdoors. After April 25 — plant warm-season crops.
May	Plant beans, squash, and cucumbers. Full spring garden.
June	Summer garden growing. Lake breezes provide some relief.
July	Harvest summer crops. Start fall seedlings.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and lettuce transplants. Direct sow carrots.
September	Fall planting: spinach and radishes. First cool nights arrive.
October	First frost around October 14. Plant garlic. Harvest tender crops.
November	Cold-hardy greens continue with protection. Clean up beds.
December	Rest season. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Chicago ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
60629	April 25	October 14	6a
60617	April 26	October 14	6a
60657	April 25	October 13	6a
60626	April 25	October 15	6a
60643	April 25	October 14	6a
60612	April 25	October 14	6a
60603	April 25	October 14	6a (est.)

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Chicago, IL?

Chicago's average last frost date is around April 25. The urban core may be a week earlier, while lakefront neighborhoods can be later due to Lake Michigan's cold spring influence.

How does Lake Michigan affect Chicago gardening?

The lake moderates summer heat (keeping Chicago cooler than inland cities), but it delays spring warming. Lakefront neighborhoods can have later last frosts and earlier fall frosts than the city interior.

What grows best in Chicago?

Chicago's climate supports excellent cool-season crops in spring and fall. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash produce well in summer. Choose Chicago-proven varieties like 'Celebrity' tomatoes that handle variable conditions.

When should I plant tomatoes in Chicago?

Start seeds indoors in early March. Transplant outdoors after April 25. Choose short-season or early varieties (under 75 days) for reliable harvest before October frosts.

How does Plan My Garden help Chicago gardeners?

Enter your Chicago zip code for exact planting dates — we account for the lake effect on your specific neighborhood's microclimate.