When to plant Raspberries in Lee County, IL
Plant Raspberries in Lee County, between May 13 and May 27 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (175 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Raspberries in Lee County, IL
Raspberries are beloved bramble fruits producing sweet, delicate berries in red, golden, black, and purple varieties. They spread by underground runners and are very productive.
Lee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Lee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Raspberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Raspberries Planting Timeline — Lee County, IL
Raspberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
· 24" apart · Rows 72" 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Lee County
Provide a trellis for support. Prune summer-bearing types by removing spent canes after harvest. For ever-bearing types, mow all canes in late winter for a single fall crop.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Raspberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Raspberries in Lee County, IL?
Lee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Raspberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, IL?
Lee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Raspberries in Lee County, IL?
In Lee County, IL, plant Raspberries after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lee County, IL for Raspberries?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Raspberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Raspberries grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Raspberries grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.