Canton, IL planting zone & frost dates
Canton is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 17 and the first fall frost around October 19, for a growing season of about 185 days.
Planting calendar for Canton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 17) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 19).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 2 | Apr 17 | May 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 31 | Oct 19 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Canton
- 61520 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Pekin zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- Peoria zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- East Peoria zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- North Peoria zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- Galesburg zone 5b, last frost Apr 20
- Morton zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
- Macomb zone 6a, last frost Apr 17
- Washington zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
Questions
What growing zone is Canton, IL?
Canton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Canton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Canton is April 17. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in Canton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 24 – May 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Havana, IL (USC00113940), 28.5 km (17.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 141 m, based on 14 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.