Pope County, IL — Planting Guide
Pope County is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 ft, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 91°F with winter lows around 22°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
7a (0°F to 5°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 7
🍂 First Frost
October 21
📅 Growing Season
197 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,120 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
39.2 in
Pope County, IL
Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost
April 7
➔
197 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 21
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 7a
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 7
First Frost: Oct 21
Soil & Growing Conditions in Pope County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (39.2 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
197-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 Pope County
112 vegetables that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Pope County.
Show all 112 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Apr 21 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 16 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 4 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 1 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 23 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 9 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 23 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 9 – Aug 4 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Apr 21 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 6 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | May 26 – Jun 30 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Aug 4 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 9 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jul 21 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 30 – Aug 11 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 9 – Jul 21 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jun 30 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Aug 4 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 16 – Jul 28 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Apr 21 – May 12 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | Aug 25 – Oct 27 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 16 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 30 – Aug 11 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 3 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 1 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 26 – Jun 30 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jun 30 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 23 – Aug 4 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 4 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 9 | Dec 9 – Apr 21 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 9 – Aug 4 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 21 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 3 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 30 – Oct 6 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 8 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 18 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 26 – Jun 23 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 26 – Jun 30 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jun 16 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jul 7 – Sep 22 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 30 – Aug 11 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 21 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 16 – Jul 28 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 6 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 6 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 23 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Apr 14 – May 12 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | May 26 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jun 9 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jul 7 – Aug 25 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 16 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 3 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 23 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | Apr 21 – May 12 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 23 – Aug 4 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jun 30 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jul 7 – Aug 25 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 11 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 18 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 21 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 16 – Jul 28 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jun 16 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 1 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 1 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 24 | — | Aug 12 | May 5 – Jun 9 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jun 23 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 9 – Aug 4 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 28 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 4 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Pope County
31 fruits that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Pope County.
Show all 31 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Loquat | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Medlar | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 28 – Dec 8 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Pope County
36 herbs that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Pope County.
Show all 36 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | Jun 30 – Sep 15 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | May 26 – Jul 14 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Aug 11 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 4 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Aug 11 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 4 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Aug 4 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jul 7 – Nov 24 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 3 | Mar 24 | Mar 31 | Aug 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 14 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 24 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Pope County
53 flowers that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Pope County.
Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 24 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 2 – Sep 22 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 9 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 3 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Feb 24 | Mar 3 | Apr 7 | Aug 26 | Jun 9 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Jan 27 | — | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 6 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 3 | Apr 7 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 27 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 3 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Feb 24 | Mar 3 | Apr 7 | Aug 26 | May 26 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | Mar 10 | — | Aug 26 | May 19 – Jul 28 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 9 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 3 | Apr 7 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 27 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 27 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 3 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Mar 17 | — | May 5 – Aug 4 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 3 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 30 – Oct 27 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Nov 10 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Jan 27 | — | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 6 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Jan 27 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Jan 27 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 13 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Feb 10 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 13 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Apr 14 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 10 | — | Aug 12 | May 19 – Jul 28 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 3 | — | Apr 21 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 13 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 3 | — | Mar 17 | — | May 12 – Aug 4 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Feb 24 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 2 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 2 – Oct 6 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Jan 27 | — | Apr 7 | Aug 12 | Jun 2 – Aug 11 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Apr 14 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Feb 10 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 13 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 3 | Apr 14 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | May 26 – Sep 22 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 23 – Oct 21 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 27 | — | Apr 14 | — | Jun 23 – Oct 27 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 10 | — | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 6 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 3 | — | Apr 14 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Jan 27 | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Aug 26 | Jun 16 – Sep 8 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 30 – Oct 6 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 24 | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Sep 9 | May 19 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | Mar 3 | — | Aug 26 | May 12 – Aug 4 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Jan 27 | — | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 6 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 3 | Apr 7 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 16 – Oct 6 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Pope County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Pope County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Pope County, IL?
Pope County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. 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 Pope County, IL?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Pope County falls around April 7. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Pope County, IL?
The median first fall frost in Pope County arrives around October 21. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pope County (Zone 7a). 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