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Ogle County, IL — Planting Guide

Ogle County is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 890 ft, Ogle County receives approximately 39.8 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 85°F with winter lows around 10°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.

🌡️ Zone

5b (-15°F to -10°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

April 23

🍂 First Frost

October 13

📅 Growing Season

173 days

⛰️ Elevation

890 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

39.8 in

Ogle County, IL Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Ogle County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 5b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 23 First Frost: Oct 13

Soil & Growing Conditions in Ogle County

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.

Watering Needs

Moderate rainfall (39.8 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.

Season Tips

173-day frost-free season

Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.

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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Recommended for Your Garden

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

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Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Ogle County

105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Ogle County.

Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 30 – Sep 3 80–100
Amaranth Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 24 90–120
Arugula Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 30–50
Asparagus May 7 730–1095
Beets Apr 9 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 2 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Aug 13 – Oct 8 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 9 – Aug 20 60–90
Black Beans Apr 30 Jul 30 – Sep 17 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 9 40–60
Broccoli Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 25 – Aug 6 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 9 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 23 – Sep 17 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 10 85–110
Cabbage Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 25 – Aug 20 60–100
Calabash Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 30 – Sep 24 80–120
Carrots Apr 9 Aug 4 Jun 11 – Jul 16 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 20 55–100
Celeriac Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Aug 6 – Sep 10 100–120
Celery Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 16 – Sep 10 80–120
Celtuce Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 25 – Aug 6 60–90
Chard Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 6 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 16 – Aug 27 80–110
Chicory Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 25 – Aug 6 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Jul 16 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 30 – Sep 3 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 20 55–75
Corn Apr 30 Jul 2 – Aug 27 60–100
Cowpeas Apr 30 Jul 2 – Aug 13 60–90
Cress Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 7 – May 28 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jun 25 – Jul 23 45–60
Crosne Apr 9 Aug 4 Sep 10 – Sep 24 150–200
Cucumber Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 27 50–70
Daikon Apr 9 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 2 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 30 – Sep 3 80–100
Edamame Apr 30 Jul 16 – Aug 27 75–100
Eggplant Feb 12 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 16 – Sep 17 65–85
Endive Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 11 – Jul 16 45–65
Escarole Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Jul 16 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 9 – Aug 20 75–100
Fennel Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 9 – Aug 20 60–90
Garlic Sep 1 Dec 1 – Feb 16 90–240
Green Beans Apr 30 Jun 25 – Aug 20 50–65
Horseradish May 7 Sep 10 – Oct 22 120–180
Hot Peppers Feb 12 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 16 – Oct 22 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 20 – Sep 24 100–120
Kabocha Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 3 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 11 – Jul 9 45–60
Kale Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 13 50–70
Kidney Beans Apr 30 Jul 30 – Sep 3 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 11 – Jul 16 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 2 35–50
Leeks Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 23 – Oct 8 90–150
Lentils Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 16 – Aug 27 80–110
Lettuce Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Aug 6 30–60
Lima Beans Apr 30 Jul 2 – Aug 13 60–90
Mache Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 9 40–60
Melon Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 16 – Sep 3 70–100
Microgreens Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Apr 30 – May 28 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jun 11 – Aug 6 50–70
Mizuna Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Jun 25 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Jul 23 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Jul 30 55–70
Okra Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 27 50–65
Onion Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 23 – Sep 10 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 2 40–55
Parsnip Apr 9 Aug 4 Jul 23 – Sep 3 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jun 25 – Jul 23 45–60
Peas Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 13 55–70
Peppers Feb 12 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 9 – Sep 17 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 27 55–70
Potatoes Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 16 – Sep 24 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 24 85–120
Purslane Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 9 40–60
Radicchio Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 25 – Jul 30 60–80
Radish Apr 9 Aug 4 May 7 – May 28 22–35
Rhubarb May 14 365–730
Romanesco Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 9 – Aug 20 75–100
Rutabaga Apr 9 Aug 4 Jul 2 – Aug 6 80–100
Salsify Apr 9 Aug 4 Jul 23 – Sep 3 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 2 – Aug 27 70–110
Scallions Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Jul 16 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 9 – Aug 13 60–80
Shallot Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jul 23 – Sep 10 90–120
Shiso Mar 5 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 27 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 27 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 13 50–65
Soybeans Apr 30 Jul 23 – Sep 17 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 3 85–100
Spinach Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jun 25 – Aug 27 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 30 – Sep 24 80–120
Sunchoke May 7 Aug 27 – Oct 22 110–150
Sweet Corn Apr 30 Jul 2 – Aug 13 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 24 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 2 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 9 – Sep 17 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 9 – Sep 17 60–85
Turnip Apr 9 Aug 4 May 21 – Jun 25 40–60
Watercress Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 23 Aug 4 Jun 4 – Jul 9 40–60
Watermelon Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 16 – Sep 3 70–100
Wax Beans Apr 30 Jun 25 – Aug 20 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Aug 6 – Sep 24 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 26 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 13 55–80
Zucchini Mar 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jun 25 – Aug 20 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Ogle County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Ogle County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries May 14 Aug 13 – Oct 29 90–180
Aronia May 14 730–1095
Blackberries May 14 365–730
Blueberries May 14 730–1095
Boysenberries May 14 365–730
Cantaloupe May 14 Jul 23 – Aug 27 70–90
Che Fruit May 14 1095–1825
Cranberries May 14 730–1095
Currants May 14 730–1095
Elderberries May 14 730–1095
Goji Berries May 14 730–1095
Gooseberries May 14 730–1095
Grapes May 14 730–1095
Ground Cherry May 14 Jul 23 – Sep 17 65–80
Hardy Kiwi May 14 1095–1825
Haskaps May 14 730–1095
Honeydew May 14 Aug 6 – Sep 17 80–110
Jostaberry May 14 730–1095
Lingonberries May 14 730–1095
Medlar May 14 1095–1825
Mulberries May 14 730–1825
Pawpaw May 14 1095–2555
Persimmon May 14 1095–2555
Quince May 14 1095–1825
Raspberries May 14 365–730
Serviceberries May 14 730–1095
Strawberries May 14 Aug 13 – Oct 29 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Ogle County

34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Ogle County.

Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 365–730
Anise Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jul 16 – Oct 1 90–120
Basil Mar 5 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Sep 3 50–75
Bee Balm Apr 30 Jul 30 – Oct 15 90–120
Borage Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jun 11 – Jul 30 50–60
Caraway Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 365–450
Catnip Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 3 60–80
Chamomile Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 27 60–90
Chervil Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 40–60
Chives Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 10 60–90
Cilantro Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 40–60
Comfrey Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 10 60–90
Cumin Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jul 30 – Oct 1 100–120
Dill Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 40–60
Epazote Mar 5 Apr 30 May 7 Jun 25 – Aug 20 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 27 60–90
Feverfew Apr 30 Jul 30 – Oct 15 90–120
Garlic Chives Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 10 60–90
Horehound Apr 30 Jul 16 – Sep 10 75–90
Hyssop Apr 30 Jul 9 – Sep 10 70–90
Lemon Balm Apr 30 Jul 2 – Aug 20 60–70
Lemon Thyme Apr 30 Jul 9 – Sep 10 70–90
Lovage Apr 30 Jul 9 – Sep 10 70–90
Mint Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 10 60–90
Oregano Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 10 60–90
Parsley Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 Jun 18 – Aug 20 60–80
Rue Apr 30 Jul 9 – Sep 10 70–90
Sage Apr 30 Jul 16 – Sep 10 75–90
Savory Apr 30 Jun 25 – Aug 20 50–70
Sorrel Mar 19 Apr 9 Apr 16 Aug 4 May 28 – Jul 30 40–60
Tarragon Apr 30 Jul 2 – Sep 10 60–90
Thai Basil Mar 5 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 2 – Sep 3 50–75
Thyme Apr 30 Jul 9 – Sep 10 70–90
Valerian Apr 30 Sep 3 – Oct 15 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Ogle County

51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Ogle County.

Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Mar 5 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jun 25 – Sep 24 60–75
Alliums Sep 1 Oct 6 – Oct 27 28–42
Anemones Mar 26 Apr 23 May 28 – Jun 25 90–120
Astilbe Feb 19 May 7 Jul 23 – Oct 1 70–100
Bachelor's Button Mar 12 Apr 2 Apr 23 Jun 25 – Sep 10 60–90
Begonias Feb 12 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 1 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Feb 19 Apr 23 May 7 Jul 23 – Oct 29 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Feb 19 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 13 60–90
Calendula Mar 12 Apr 2 Apr 23 Jun 11 – Sep 10 50–70
Celosia Mar 19 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jul 2 – Oct 8 60–90
Columbine Feb 19 May 7 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 13 70–100
Coreopsis Feb 19 Apr 30 May 7 Jul 16 – Oct 29 60–80
Cosmos Mar 26 Apr 23 Apr 23 Jul 2 – Oct 1 60–90
Crocus Sep 1 Jul 14 – Aug 4 10–20
Daffodils Sep 1 Jul 21 – Aug 11 20–40
Dahlias Mar 26 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jul 23 – Oct 22 70–120
Daylily Feb 19 May 7 Jul 30 – Oct 29 60–90
Dianthus Feb 19 Mar 26 Apr 9 May 28 – Aug 20 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Feb 19 May 7 May 7 Jul 30 – Oct 29 70–90
Foxglove Feb 19 May 7 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 13 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Feb 26 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 29 70–100
Geraniums Feb 12 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 1 70–100
Gladiolus Apr 30 Apr 30 Jul 23 – Oct 22 70–100
Hostas Feb 12 May 7 Jul 30 – Oct 29 60–90
Hyacinths Sep 1 Aug 11 – Sep 8 14–28
Hydrangeas Feb 12 May 7 Jul 23 – Oct 15 90–150
Impatiens Feb 26 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 8 60–75
Irises Division May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 6 60–100
Larkspur Mar 26 Jun 4 – Jul 30 60–90
Lavender Feb 12 May 14 Jul 23 – Sep 10 90–120
Lilies Division May 7 Jul 16 – Oct 15 70–120
Lobelia Feb 12 Apr 16 Jun 11 – Aug 27 70–80
Lupine Feb 19 May 7 May 7 Jul 2 – Aug 13 75–100
Marigolds Mar 12 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jun 25 – Sep 24 50–70
Nasturtium Mar 26 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jun 25 – Oct 8 55–65
Pansy Feb 12 Apr 23 Jun 18 – Aug 20 70–90
Peonies Division May 7 Jul 16 – Aug 27 90–120
Petunia Feb 26 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 8 70–90
Phlox Feb 19 May 7 May 7 Jul 23 – Oct 15 80–110
Portulaca Mar 19 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jun 18 – Sep 24 50–70
Roses Feb 12 May 7 Jul 23 – Oct 29 90–180
Salvia Feb 19 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 8 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Feb 19 May 7 Sep 3 – Nov 12 60–90
Snapdragon Feb 12 Apr 9 Apr 23 Jul 2 – Sep 10 70–100
Sunflower Apr 2 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jul 23 – Oct 8 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Mar 5 Apr 9 Apr 23 Jun 4 – Aug 13 45–60
Sweet Pea Mar 12 Mar 19 Apr 23 Jul 9 – Sep 10 65–85
Tulips Sep 1 Aug 4 – Aug 25 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Feb 5 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 1 70–90
Yarrow Feb 19 Apr 23 May 7 Jul 16 – Oct 29 60–90
Zinnia Mar 26 Apr 30 Apr 30 Jul 9 – Oct 8 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Ogle County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Ogle County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Ogle County, IL?

Ogle County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. 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 Ogle County, IL?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Ogle County falls around April 23. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Ogle County, IL?

The median first fall frost in Ogle County arrives around October 13. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Ogle County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ogle 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.