Kewanee, IL planting zone & frost dates
Kewanee is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 24 and the first fall frost around October 17, for a growing season of about 175 days.
Planting calendar for Kewanee
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 24) 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 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 17).
Useful for zone 5b 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 10 | Apr 24 | May 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 29 | Oct 17 | Oct 3 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 3. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Kewanee
- 61443 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Galesburg zone 5b, last frost Apr 20
- East Moline zone 5b, last frost Apr 24
- Sterling zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
- North Peoria zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- Moline zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Peoria zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- East Peoria zone 6a, last frost Apr 16
- Canton zone 6a, last frost Apr 17
Questions
What growing zone is Kewanee, IL?
Kewanee is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Kewanee?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Kewanee is April 24. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Kewanee?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 1 – May 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Kewanee 1 E, IL (USC00114710), 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 238 m, based on 28 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.