Christian County, IL — Planting Guide
Christian County is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,086 ft, Christian County receives approximately 33.6 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 83°F with winter lows around 10°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
6a (-10°F to -5°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 13
🍂 First Frost
October 19
📅 Growing Season
189 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,086 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
33.6 in
Christian County, IL
Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost
April 13
➔
189 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 19
Christian County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 6a
Frost Countdown
--
Loading...
Last Frost: Apr 13
First Frost: Oct 19
Soil & Growing Conditions in Christian County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (33.6 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
189-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Soil Test Kit
$12-25
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Digital pH Meter
$10-20
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Organic Compost
$8-30
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Christian County
107 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Christian County.
Show all 107 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 27 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 22 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jul 20 – Sep 7 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Jul 27 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Apr 27 – May 18 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | Aug 31 – Oct 12 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 22 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 7 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Dec 7 – Mar 22 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 27 | — | Aug 31 – Nov 9 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 12 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Aug 10 – Sep 14 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 1 – Jun 29 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jul 20 – Aug 24 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jun 22 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Sep 28 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 27 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 12 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Oct 12 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Apr 20 – May 18 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jun 15 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 20 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 22 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 14 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | Apr 27 – May 18 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 29 – Aug 10 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 3 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 17 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 24 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 17 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Sep 14 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 27 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 12 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jun 22 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 30 | — | Aug 10 | May 11 – Jun 15 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 13 | Aug 10 | May 25 – Jun 29 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 24 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 20 | — | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 14 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 3 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Christian County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Christian County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 4 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 16 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 17 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 7 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 4 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 7 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 4 | — | Aug 3 – Nov 16 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Christian County
35 herbs that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Christian County.
Show all 35 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jul 6 – Sep 21 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 17 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 5 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 10 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Aug 10 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 9 | Mar 30 | Apr 6 | Aug 10 | May 18 – Jul 20 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 24 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Aug 31 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 24 – Nov 2 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Christian County
53 flowers that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Christian County.
Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 23 | Apr 13 | Apr 13 | — | Jun 8 – Sep 14 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Oct 5 – Nov 2 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 | — | May 18 – Jun 15 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 9 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 2 | Mar 16 | Apr 13 | Sep 7 | Jun 15 – Aug 31 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 2 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 28 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 9 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 9 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 2 | Mar 16 | Apr 13 | — | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | Mar 16 | — | — | May 25 – Jul 6 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Oct 5 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 9 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 19 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 13 | — | Jun 22 – Sep 28 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 9 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 16 | Mar 16 | Mar 30 | — | May 18 – Aug 17 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 9 | Apr 27 | Apr 27 | — | Jul 20 – Oct 26 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Nov 2 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 2 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 28 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Apr 13 | Apr 13 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 12 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 2 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jul 6 – Oct 19 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 2 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Feb 16 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 13 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 16 | — | — | May 25 – Jul 20 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 2 | — | Apr 27 | — | Jul 6 – Aug 31 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 9 | — | Mar 30 | — | May 25 – Aug 17 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Jul 20 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Sep 14 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 15 – Oct 5 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 2 | — | Apr 13 | Aug 24 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Apr 20 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 27 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Feb 16 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 21 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 8 – Sep 21 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | Mar 2 | — | Apr 13 | — | May 25 – Jun 22 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Feb 2 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 19 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 9 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 9 | — | Apr 20 | — | Aug 10 – Oct 26 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 2 | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | — | Jun 22 – Aug 31 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jul 13 – Oct 5 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 23 | Mar 23 | Apr 13 | — | May 25 – Aug 3 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 2 | Mar 9 | Apr 13 | — | Jun 29 – Sep 7 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Aug 17 – Sep 14 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 2 | — | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 9 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 19 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | Apr 20 | — | Jun 29 – Oct 5 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Christian County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Christian County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Christian County, IL?
Christian County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Christian County, IL?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Christian County falls around April 13. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Christian County, IL?
The median first fall frost in Christian County arrives around October 19. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Christian County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Christian 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.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
$27
$293 value
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
$27
$157 value
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
$27
$210 value
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log