When to Plant Beets in McDonough County, IL
Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, McDonough County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.
McDonough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Beets Planting Timeline — McDonough County, IL
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for McDonough County
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.
Beets in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beets in McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McDonough County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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