What to plant this week in Chicago, IL
With average last frost now settled for April 21, Chicago gardeners are well past the cold snap risk and ready to focus on summer harvests. This week marks the peak production window for your warm-weather crops like basil, zucchini, and sweet corn as temperatures stabilize through late October.
The next 7 days
Chicago, ILGrowing in Chicago right now
- Chicago's heavy clay soil in many neighborhoods retains moisture during our humid summers, so ensure good drainage when planting edamame or bush beans to prevent root rot.
- The city's frequent afternoon thunderstorms can splash soil onto foliage; apply a light mulch around squash and pumpkin beds to suppress weeds and keep leaves drier.
- Given the narrow frost window between mid-April and late October, prioritize harvesting cold-tender crops like cantaloupe and watermelon now before early fall chills arrive.
- Take advantage of Chicago's micro-heat islands by placing heat-loving okra and ghost peppers in sunniest spots to maximize yield during our short growing season.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
45 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Keep a close eye on pollinator-friendly flowers like Cosmos and Zinnia to ensure good seed set.
- Harvest bush beans and cucumbers frequently to encourage continued production throughout summer.
- Protect young transplants from late spring chill with row covers if an unexpected cold snap occurs.
- Plan succession sowing for cool-season crops now so they are ready as the weather cools in October.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are surging on the undersides of basil, zinnia, and marigold leaves due to dry spells between summer rains.
- Aphid colonies are forming rapidly on new growth of sweet corn and pole bean plants as humidity rises in July.
- Late blight can quickly devastate potato and tomato vines if wet weather persists; inspect lower leaves weekly for brown spotting.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal issues on leafy greens.
Save seeds from your best-performing varieties like French Marigold and Zinnia to start your next season's garden early.
Chicago gardening questions
3Can I still plant garlic now, or is it too late?
Yes, Chicago gardeners often plant hardneck garlic varieties like 'Music' or 'German Red' in early August through September. Since our first frost averages October 24, the cloves have enough time to establish roots before winter dormancy sets in.
My zucchini plants are producing a lot but the fruit is getting misshapen; what's wrong?
This usually happens when pollinators struggle during Chicago's sudden windstorms or heavy rain. Hand-pollinate female flowers using a male flower brush to ensure proper seed development and straight fruit growth.
How do I extend the season for my summer squash if frost comes early?
Cover your zucchini and yellow summer squash plants with row covers or floating frost cloth when night temperatures dip below 32°F. Remove the fabric during sunny days to prevent overheating, allowing you to harvest well into November.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Chicago garden in SproutGuide →