When to plant Tomatoes in Cass County County,
Cass County County's climate puts the Tomatoes spring window between April 22 and May 13. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Cass County, IL
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
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 Tomatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Tomatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Cass County's 184-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 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.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Cass County, IL
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Cass County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Cass County, IL?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Tomatoes 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 Tomatoes in Cass County County, ?
In Cass County County, , plant Tomatoes 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 County, for Tomatoes?
Cass County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Cass County County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Cass County County's temperate climate. Cass County 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.