Van Orin, IL frost dates
How Van Orin compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Van Orin falls between April 10 and May 9, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 30 and October 27.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Illinois median of Apr 17.
- Its 173-day growing season is longer than 12% of the 1,287 Illinois places with a regular frost season (state median 187 days).
- The last frost is 7 days earlier than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 136 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Rockford, IL, 85 km away, the last frost here is the same as there and the growing season is 3 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 10 |
| 50% (median) | April 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 30 |
| 50% (median) | October 14 |
| 90% (late) | October 27 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Van Orin, IL
Van Orin, IL frost dates — last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 14, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Van Orin, IL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Mar 27 – May 1 | Aug 19 – Sep 16 |
| Kale | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Okra | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Basil | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 20 – May 1 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 8 – May 29 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 30 – Nov 4 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Walnut, IL weather station, 21 km away (elevation 673 ft (205 m)).
Frost dates near Van Orin
- La Moille Apr 22 · Oct 17
- Ohio Apr 24 · Oct 14
- Kasbeer Apr 24 · Oct 14
- Dover Apr 22 · Oct 17
- Sublette Apr 27 · Oct 12
- Malden Apr 22 · Oct 17
- Arlington Apr 24 · Oct 18
- Amboy Apr 21 · Oct 19
- Cherry Apr 24 · Oct 18
- Mendota Apr 27 · Oct 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Van Orin, IL?
The median last spring frost in Van Orin, IL is April 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Van Orin, IL?
The median first fall frost is October 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 30.
How long is the growing season in Van Orin, IL?
About 173 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Van Orin, IL?
Van Orin, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.