When to plant Che Fruit in Hardin County, IL
Hardin County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Che Fruit April 25–May 9 for the single annual harvest; the October 31 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Che Fruit in Hardin County, IL
Top priorities for Hardin County, Illinois gardeners in July
Your Hardin County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Che Fruit 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 Hardin County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Che Fruit's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hardin County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Che Fruit will thrive.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Che Fruit Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit
Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Che Fruit Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hardin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit 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.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Hardin County, IL
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Hardin County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Hardin County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after April 04 in Hardin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 210.0-day growing season in Hardin County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Che Fruit in Hardin County, IL?
In Hardin County, IL, plant Che Fruit after the last frost (around April 4) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hardin County, IL for Che Fruit?
Hardin County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Che Fruit grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Che Fruit grow in Hardin County's climate?
Yes — Che Fruit grows well in Hardin County's temperate climate. Hardin County averages a 210-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 4 and first frost around October 31.
Your Hardin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hardin County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.