When to Plant Garlic in Henderson County, IL
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. 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 1,278 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Henderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.3
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
Garlic Planting Timeline — Henderson County, IL
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for Henderson County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Henderson County, IL?
Henderson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henderson County, IL?
Henderson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. 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 Henderson County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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