When to plant Oregano in Mapleton, IL
Plant Oregano in Mapleton during the brief April 30–May 14 window. With 172 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 12.
When to Plant Oregano in Mapleton, IL
July in Peoria County, Illinois — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Peoria County, Illinois this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: oregano
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: oregano
Oregano is a robust perennial herb essential to Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent, savory leaves intensify in flavor when dried.
Mapleton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Oregano during the growing season.
Mapleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Oregano 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 Mapleton
How your county's soil matches Oregano's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Oregano's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Peoria County is excellent for Oregano — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Oregano will thrive.
How to Plant Oregano
Succession Planting Oregano
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
Oregano Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Oregano
Oregano needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Oregano Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Peoria County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Oregano 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.
Oregano Planting Timeline — Mapleton, IL
Oregano Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Peoria County
Growing Tips for Oregano in Mapleton
Direct sow Oregano outdoors after April 23 in Peoria County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Harvest just before flowering for strongest flavor. Cut plants back to a few inches in spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Oregano in Other Locations
When should I plant Oregano in Mapleton, IL?
In Mapleton, IL, plant Oregano after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mapleton, IL for Oregano?
Mapleton sits in USDA Zone 6a. Oregano grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Oregano grow in Mapleton's climate?
Yes — Oregano grows well in Mapleton's temperate climate. Mapleton averages a 172-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 12.
Your Peoria County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Peoria 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.