Chicago Planting Calendar: What to Plant Each Month this Spring (Zone 5 Guide)

Quality Bulbs and Seeds for Every Season at Perricone Garden Center

At the heart of every successful garden is the right start. That's why we offer a broad selection of flower bulbs and vegetable seeds tailored to our local climate. Whether you're planting spring tulips, fall crocuses, or hearty Illinois-grown vegetables, our garden center stocks high-quality, non-GMO seeds and disease-resistant bulbs. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right products based on your soil conditions, sunlight, and seasonal planting goals. We have provided a quick guide to help you time your garden below:

March – Early Indoor Planting

March is when the gardening season truly begins indoors. Many popular vegetable plants need about 6–8 weeks of indoor growth before transplanting outside.

Seeds to start indoors in March

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

You can also start cool-season herbs such as:

• Basil

• Dill

• Oregano

As temperatures slowly warm, gardeners can begin preparing outdoor garden beds by adding compost or organic soil amendments.

April – Cool Season Crops

April marks the beginning of outdoor planting for cold-tolerant vegetables. While frosts are still possible, many crops actually thrive in cool temperatures.

Vegetables to plant outdoors in April

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Kale

• Radishes

• Peas

• Carrots

• Beets

April is also a great time to plant:

• Potatoes

• Onion sets

• Early spring flowers like pansies

These hardy plants can tolerate chilly nights and help kick off the gardening season.

May – Peak Planting Season

May is the most exciting month for gardeners in Chicago. Once the danger of frost passes, warm-season crops can finally go into the ground.

Vegetables to plant in May

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Cucumbers

• Zucchini

• Squash

• Green beans

• Corn

It’s also the perfect time to plant summer flowers and annuals, including:

• Petunias

• Marigolds

• Geraniums

• Begonias

Perricone Garden Centers see our busiest season during May because homeowners are filling garden beds, containers, and landscapes with fresh plants. We are stocked and ready for you! Feel free to ask our friendly staff for tips and tricks, or any questions you may have.

We are a family owned business with a 25 acre nursery and 30+ years experience.

Along with Bulbs and Seeds, you can also pick up:

• Bird Baths

• Ceramic Pots

• Fire Pits

• Fountains and Supplies

• Garden Art and Statuary

• Plant Care Products

• Garden Benches

• Gardening Tools

• Grass Seed and Fertilizer

• Lawn Care Products

• Wind Chimes

• Miscellaneous Gifts

• Bricks, Pavers, Unilock Patio Supplies