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When to plant Carrots in Edwards County, IL

Edwards County's spring Carrots window runs March 26 through April 16. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Carrots in Edwards County, IL

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.

Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 1,374 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.

Edwards County, IL (Zone 6b) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Edwards County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots

Carrots needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Carrots Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edwards County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Carrots Planting Timeline — Edwards County, IL

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 – Sep 2

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

202 days in Edwards County

Growing Tips for Edwards County

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

  • Dill
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Carrots Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd year flowers. Harvest umbels when brown.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Edwards County, IL?

Edwards County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edwards County, IL?

Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Carrots in Edwards County, IL?

In Edwards County, IL, plant Carrots after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Edwards County, IL for Carrots?

Edwards County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Carrots grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Carrots grow in Edwards County's climate?

Yes — Carrots grows well in Edwards County's temperate climate. Edwards County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Edwards County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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