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When to plant Carrots in Montgomery County, IL

For Carrots in Montgomery County, the safe spring window opens around March 30 and closes around April 20. Last expected frost is April 13, first fall frost October 21, giving a 191-day growing season. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Carrots in Montgomery 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.

Montgomery County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,331 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.

Montgomery County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.2

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Carrots Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, IL

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Jul 6
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

191 days in Montgomery County

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IL?

Montgomery County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, IL?

Montgomery County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Carrots in Montgomery County, IL?

In Montgomery County, IL, plant Carrots after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Montgomery County, IL for Carrots?

Montgomery 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 Montgomery County's climate?

Yes — Carrots grows well in Montgomery County's temperate climate. Montgomery County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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