Elgin, OR — Planting Guide for June
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June in Elgin, OR — your action list
Your Elgin, OR garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Move alpine strawberries, aronia, and blackberries from tray to bed
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
-
Get basil, cucumber, and kale seeds going inside
These need a head start before your last frost (May 12). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
-
Bring in the carrots, lettuce, and radish
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to July
- Starting indoors: peppers, pole beans, and tomatoes
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
- Fall sowing: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Elgin gardens in a wet, humid climate (51" annually). Cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, kale, and brassicas thrive in spring and fall. The biggest challenges are fungal disease and humidity-loving pests in summer — leaf spot, blight, squash bugs, vine borers. Drip irrigation (not overhead), wide plant spacing for air circulation, and disease-resistant varieties make the difference.
Soils trend Silt Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Elgin averages 26.9 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
6b (-5°F to 0°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 12
🍂 Avg. First Frost
September 26
📅 Growing Season
137 days
🌧️ Climate
Humid 51.3" annual
💨 Wind
Calm 1.5 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
26.9 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Elgin
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Why it matters: Mulch reduces watering needs 30-50% by cutting evaporation. Elgin's 51" annual rainfall might be enough for vegetables in some months and not in others — a 2-3" mulch layer evens the swing.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.9 in | 18 days | — | None |
| Feb | 2.6 in | 16 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.3 in | 16 days | — | None |
| Apr | 1.5 in | 13 days | 2.8 in | High |
| May | 1.5 in | 9 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Jun | 0.9 in | 7 days | 3.4 in | Critical |
| Jul | 0.4 in | 2 days | 3.9 in | Critical |
| Aug | 0.5 in | 3 days | 3.8 in | Critical |
| Sep | 1 in | 5 days | 3.3 in | Critical |
| Oct | 2 in | 11 days | 2.3 in | High |
| Nov | 3.8 in | 15 days | — | None |
| Dec | 4.2 in | 19 days | — | None |
Annual total: 23.6 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Elgin Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 29 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | Jun 8 | Oct 19 | 133 days |
| Cautious | May 18 | Oct 4 | 139 days |
| Average year | May 12 | Sep 26 | 137 days |
| Optimistic | May 3 | Sep 14 | 134 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 24 | Sep 2 | 131 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±45 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 2.2 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Union County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
Local Gardening Help in Union County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Union County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Union County Oregon State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 541-737-2713
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Union County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Union County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Union County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Union County OR" or "garden center Union County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Union County OR" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Union County Gardeners" or "Oregon Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Elgin
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Why this matters: You can't change the sun. Picking the right day-length-matched varieties for Elgin matters more than any other "fix" you make — and the seed packet tells you (look for "long-day," "short-day," "day-neutral").
Longest Day
15.4 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.6 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.1 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.9 hr | 2.1 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 3.1 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 4.1 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.3 hr | 5.8 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.7 hr | 7.3 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.4 hr | 8.6 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.1 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.9 hr | 9.6 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 4 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.3 hr | 2.3 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.6 hr | 2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Elgin
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Quick context: Cold soil = stunted starts. A bean seed planted in 55°F soil rots before it germinates. Same seed in 65°F soil sprouts in 5 days. Elgin's soil temperature pattern shows you the difference month to month.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°F | 25°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 17°F | 25°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 25°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 37°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 53°F | 48°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 62°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 70°F | 63°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 72°F | 68°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 65°F | 63°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 51°F | 54°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 37°F | 42°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 25°F | 33°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Elgin
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
For new gardeners: Pollinators are the good bugs. Pest pressure is the bad bugs. Elgin's climate makes both more abundant in warm humid regions, and rarer in cold dry ones — plan habitat to encourage the good while managing the bad.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Slugs | Low | Apr, May, Jun |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Elgin
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
Quick context: Why not just leave bare soil? Weed seeds, erosion, nutrient leaching, and crust formation. A cover crop solves all of these for the cost of seeds and one mowing.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 19 | Jul 18 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 14 | Jul 18 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 15 | Jul 18 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 25 | Aug 29 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Jul 27 | Apr 28 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 18 | Apr 21 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 12 | Apr 28 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 12 | Apr 28 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 1 | Apr 21 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 18 | Apr 21 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Elgin
Why it matters: Wind is the silent water thief. Every breeze pulls moisture from leaves and soil. Elgin's 1.5 mph average is one piece of the watering math: rainfall + irrigation must exceed evaporation + transpiration, and wind boosts both losses.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 9 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
4.9/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Moderate
Some terrain variation (710 ft range). Garden on slopes or higher ground if possible to avoid late-season frost pockets.
Rainwater Harvesting in Elgin
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Quick context: A 1,000 sq ft roof captures about 600 gallons from a single 1" rainfall. Elgin gets 51" of rain a year — a couple of well-placed rain barrels can cover most summer watering. In dry climates the math's even better: every captured gallon is one you don't buy.
Annual Collection
11,762 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
7 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,250 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jun, Jul, Aug
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 23.6 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 11,762 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jun, Jul, Aug)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Elgin
107 vegetables matched to Zone 6b with planting dates calibrated for Elgin.
Show all 107 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Aug 25 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | May 26 – Jun 16 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Sep 29 – Nov 10 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 6 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 15 | Nov 14 – Feb 27 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 26 | — | Sep 29 – Dec 8 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Sep 8 – Oct 13 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Sep 8 – Nov 10 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Nov 10 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | May 19 – Jun 16 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 18 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 13 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | May 26 – Jun 16 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 26 | — | Sep 15 – Nov 10 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Jul 18 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Jul 18 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Elgin
27 fruits matched to Zone 6b with planting dates calibrated for Elgin.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Sep 1 – Dec 15 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 6 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Sep 1 – Dec 15 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Elgin
35 herbs matched to Zone 6b with planting dates calibrated for Elgin.
Show all 35 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 3 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Aug 18 – Oct 20 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 3 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Jul 18 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 19 | — | Sep 22 – Dec 1 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Elgin
53 flowers matched to Zone 6b with planting dates calibrated for Elgin.
Show all 53 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 24 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 20 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 15 | Sep 12 – Oct 10 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 14 | — | May 12 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 10 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 31 | Apr 14 | May 12 | Aug 15 | Jul 14 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 3 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 10 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 31 | Apr 14 | May 12 | — | Jun 30 – Oct 6 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 24 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 14 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Nov 3 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 15 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 15 | Jul 11 – Aug 1 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 10 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 9 – Sep 8 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Dec 1 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 3 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 17 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 15 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 17 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 3 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 10 | — | Apr 28 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 15 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 13 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 14 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Nov 3 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Mar 3 | — | May 12 | Aug 1 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 17 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 27 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | Mar 31 | — | May 12 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 24 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 10 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Nov 3 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 10 | — | May 19 | — | Sep 8 – Dec 1 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 3 | Apr 21 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 6 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 21 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 3 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 12 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 31 | Apr 7 | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 22 | Aug 1 – Aug 29 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 10 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Nov 24 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 14 | May 12 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Oct 27 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Elgin
ZIP Codes in Elgin
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Union County.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 6b). 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
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
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
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