When to plant Carrots in Union County, IL
For Union County, gardeners: plant Carrots March 27 through April 17 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Carrots in Union County, IL
What to do in June
Your Union County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the carrots
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: 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.
Union County, Illinois 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 feet, Union County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Carrots 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 Union County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.1) overlaps with Carrots's range (6.0–6.8), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Union County is excellent for Carrots — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Carrots will thrive.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Carrots Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots 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.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Union County, IL
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Union County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after April 10 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Union County, IL?
Union County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, IL?
Union County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Carrots in Union County, IL?
In Union County, IL, plant Carrots after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, IL for Carrots?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Carrots grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Carrots grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Carrots grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
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.