Menard County, IL — Planting Guide
Menard County is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 934 ft, Menard County receives approximately 37 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 84°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 15
🍂 First Frost
October 19
📅 Growing Season
187 days
⛰️ Elevation
934 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
37 in
Menard County, IL
Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost
April 15
➔
187 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 19
Menard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 6a
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 15
First Frost: Oct 19
Soil & Growing Conditions in Menard County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (37 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
187-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 Menard County
107 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Menard County.
Show all 107 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jun 24 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jul 22 – Sep 9 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 29 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 8 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Apr 29 – May 20 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | Sep 2 – Oct 14 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jun 24 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 4 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 9 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 8 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 1 – Aug 12 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Dec 7 – Mar 22 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 29 | — | Sep 2 – Nov 11 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 4 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 8 – Oct 14 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 16 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Aug 26 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jun 24 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 15 – Sep 30 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 29 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 14 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 14 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Apr 22 – May 20 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jun 17 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 22 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 15 – Sep 2 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jun 24 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 4 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 16 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 16 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | Apr 29 – May 20 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 1 – Aug 12 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 8 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jul 15 – Sep 2 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Aug 26 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Sep 16 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 29 | — | Aug 19 – Oct 14 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jun 24 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 1 | — | Aug 10 | May 13 – Jun 17 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | Aug 10 | May 27 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 22 | — | — | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Menard County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Menard County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 6 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 18 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 19 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 6 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 6 | — | Jul 29 – Sep 9 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 6 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 6 | — | Aug 5 – Nov 18 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Menard County
35 herbs that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Menard County.
Show all 35 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jul 8 – Sep 23 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 26 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 22 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jun 3 – Jul 22 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 26 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 22 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 12 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 11 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 10 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 26 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 22 | — | Aug 26 – Nov 4 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Menard County
53 flowers that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Menard County.
Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 25 | Apr 15 | Apr 15 | — | Jun 10 – Sep 16 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Oct 5 – Nov 2 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Mar 18 | — | Apr 15 | — | May 20 – Jun 17 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | Apr 15 | Sep 7 | Jun 17 – Sep 2 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 4 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 30 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 11 | Apr 15 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 8 – Oct 21 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | Apr 15 | — | Jun 3 – Sep 2 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | Mar 18 | — | — | May 27 – Jul 8 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Oct 7 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 11 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 21 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 15 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 30 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 8 – Oct 21 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 8 – Oct 21 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 18 | Mar 18 | Apr 1 | — | May 20 – Aug 19 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 11 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 22 – Oct 28 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Nov 4 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 4 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 30 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Apr 15 | Apr 15 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 14 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 4 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 8 – Oct 21 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 4 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Feb 18 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 15 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 18 | — | — | May 27 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 4 | — | Apr 29 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 2 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 11 | — | Apr 1 | — | May 27 – Aug 19 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 22 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 4 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Sep 16 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jun 17 – Oct 7 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 4 | — | Apr 15 | Aug 24 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Apr 22 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Feb 18 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 23 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 11 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jun 10 – Sep 23 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | Mar 4 | — | Apr 15 | — | May 27 – Jun 24 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Feb 4 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 21 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 11 | — | Apr 22 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 28 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 4 | Mar 25 | Apr 15 | — | Jun 24 – Sep 2 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 15 – Oct 7 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 25 | Mar 25 | Apr 15 | — | May 27 – Aug 5 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Apr 15 | — | Jul 1 – Sep 9 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 7 | Aug 17 – Sep 14 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 4 | — | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 11 | Apr 15 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 21 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 18 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 1 – Oct 7 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Menard County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Menard County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Menard County, IL?
Menard 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 Menard County, IL?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Menard County falls around April 15. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Menard County, IL?
The median first fall frost in Menard County arrives around October 19. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Menard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Menard 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