When to plant in Freeport, IL
USDA Zone 5aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Freeport, Illinois — all computed from Freeport's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 5a means Freeport sees real winter cold, but a good range of perennials survive; the frost dates above govern when annual vegetables go out.
Frost probability
FREEPORT WASTE WTP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Freeport’s own odds, recorded at FREEPORT WASTE WTP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 21 | May 6 | Apr 22 | Sep 22 | Oct 3 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | May 11 | Apr 26 | Apr 11 | Sep 30 | Oct 13 | Oct 26 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 14 | Mar 31 | Oct 10 | Oct 24 | Nov 5 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Freeport, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 32 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Freeport planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Freeport, IL?
On average, the last spring frost in Freeport is around April 26 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Freeport, IL?
The first fall frost in Freeport typically arrives around October 13 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Freeport in?
Freeport is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. In zone 5a, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Freeport?
There are roughly 170 frost-free days in Freeport (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 26 to the first fall frost near October 13.
When should I plant tomatoes in Freeport?
In Freeport, start tomato seeds indoors around March 1–March 15, then transplant seedlings outdoors around May 3 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Freeport
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Freeport’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Monroe · 35 km
- Rockford · 47 km
- Machesney Park · 51 km
- Dixon · 51 km
- Loves Park · 53 km
- Roscoe · 54 km
- Sterling · 55 km
- Beloit · 57 km
Frost dates recorded at FREEPORT WASTE WTP, 3 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Freeport, IL — Frost Dates & Zone 5a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00113262. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/illinois/freeport.