Wasco, IL planting zone & frost dates
Wasco is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 25 and the first fall frost around October 19, for a growing season of about 174 days.
Planting calendar for Wasco
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 25) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 19).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 11 | Apr 25 | May 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 30 | Oct 19 | Oct 5 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 5. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 14.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Wasco
- 60183 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Village of Campton Hills zone 5b, last frost Apr 25
- St. Charles zone 5b, last frost Apr 25
- Geneva zone 5b, last frost Apr 25
- South Elgin zone 5b, last frost Apr 26
- Batavia zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- North Aurora zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Elgin zone 5b, last frost Apr 26
- Aurora zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
Questions
What growing zone is Wasco, IL?
Wasco is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Wasco?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Wasco is April 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in Wasco?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 2 – May 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station West Chicago Dupage Ap, IL (USW00094892), 13.3 km (8.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 230 m, based on 22 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.