When to plant Carrots in Cass County, IL
Cass County's spring Carrots window runs April 1 through April 22. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Carrots in Cass County, IL
Your July planting checklist for Cass County, Illinois
Your garden in Cass County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
-
It's harvest week for carrots
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- Fall sowing: carrots
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Cass County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 703 feet, Cass County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Carrots 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.
Soil Compatibility in Cass County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Carrots's range (6.0–6.8), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cass County is excellent for Carrots — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Carrots.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Carrots.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Carrots Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cass County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Cass County, IL
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Cass County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after April 15 in Cass County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Cass County, IL?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, IL?
Cass County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Carrots in Cass County, IL?
In Cass County, IL, plant Carrots after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cass County, IL for Carrots?
Cass County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Carrots grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Carrots grow in Cass County's climate?
Yes — Carrots grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 16.
Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cass County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.