When to Plant Quince in Hancock County, IL
Hancock County, Illinois gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Hancock County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Harden off and plant quince
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
Quince is a small ornamental tree producing fragrant, golden fruits that are too hard and astringent to eat raw but transform into a beautiful rose-colored paste when cooked.
Hancock County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 758 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 37.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Hancock County
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Quince's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hancock County is excellent for Quince — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Quince will thrive.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Quince
Quince needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Quince Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hancock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Quince 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.
Quince Planting Timeline — Hancock County, IL
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Quince in Hancock County
Direct sow Quince outdoors after April 14 in Hancock County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 187.0-day growing season in Hancock County is tight for Quince (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered location. Quince is self-fertile. Harvest after frost when fruit is golden and fragrant. Fire blight can be an issue; choose resistant varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Quince in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in Hancock County, IL?
Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, IL?
Hancock County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hancock 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.