Union County, IL — Planting Guide
Union County is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,017 ft, Union County receives approximately 34.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 88°F with winter lows around 26°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
7a (0°F to 5°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 10
🍂 First Frost
October 21
📅 Growing Season
194 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,017 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
34.2 in
Union County, IL
Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost
April 10
➔
194 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 21
Union 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 10
First Frost: Oct 21
Soil & Growing Conditions in Union County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (34.2 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
194-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 Union County
112 vegetables that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Union County.
Show all 112 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 28 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jul 17 – Sep 4 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 9 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | May 29 – Jul 3 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 24 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Aug 28 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Apr 24 – May 15 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | Aug 28 – Oct 30 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Sep 4 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 29 – Jul 3 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 9 | Dec 9 – Apr 21 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 28 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Oct 9 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Aug 28 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 29 – Jun 26 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 29 – Jul 3 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 10 – Sep 25 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 24 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 9 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Apr 17 – May 15 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | May 29 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jun 12 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 19 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Sep 11 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | Apr 24 – May 15 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 21 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jun 19 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 12 | May 8 – Jun 12 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jun 26 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 17 | — | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 31 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Union County
31 fruits that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Union County.
Show all 31 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 1 | — | Jul 31 – Nov 13 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 1 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 1 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 1 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Kiwi | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Loquat | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 1 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 1 | — | Jul 31 – Dec 11 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Union County
36 herbs that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Union County.
Show all 36 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | Jul 3 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | May 29 – Jul 17 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 7 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 10 – Nov 27 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 7 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 6 | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | Aug 12 | May 15 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 21 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 17 | — | Aug 21 – Nov 27 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Union County
53 flowers that grow well in Zone 7a with planting dates for Union County.
Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 5 – Sep 25 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 9 – Oct 7 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 6 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Feb 27 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Aug 26 | Jun 12 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Jan 30 | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 9 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 30 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 6 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Feb 27 | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Aug 26 | May 29 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | Mar 13 | — | Aug 26 | May 22 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 12 – Oct 9 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 30 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 9 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 30 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 6 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 20 | — | May 8 – Aug 7 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 3 – Oct 30 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Nov 13 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Jan 30 | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 9 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 23 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Jan 30 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Jan 30 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 16 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Feb 13 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 16 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 13 | — | Aug 12 | May 22 – Jul 31 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 6 | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 3 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 16 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 6 | — | Mar 20 | — | May 15 – Aug 7 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 13 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Feb 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 5 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 5 – Oct 9 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Jan 30 | — | Apr 10 | Aug 12 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Apr 17 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Feb 13 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 18 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | May 29 – Sep 25 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 23 – Oct 21 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 30 | — | Apr 17 | — | Jun 26 – Oct 30 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 13 | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 9 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 6 | — | Apr 17 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Jan 30 | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Aug 26 | Jun 19 – Sep 11 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 20 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jul 3 – Oct 9 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 27 | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Sep 9 | May 22 – Aug 14 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | Mar 6 | — | Aug 26 | May 15 – Aug 7 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 16 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Jan 30 | — | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 9 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 30 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 19 – Oct 9 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Union County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Union County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Union County, IL?
Union 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 Union County, IL?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Union County falls around April 10. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Union County, IL?
The median first fall frost in Union County arrives around October 21. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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