What to plant this week in Chicago, IL
With the average last frost still lingering until April 21 and nighttime lows hovering near -5°F, Chicago gardeners this week must hold firm on spring planting. Your only viable move is to sow garlic cloves now for a robust fall harvest or an early next-year crop, as soil temperatures remain too cold for transplants.
The next 7 days
Chicago, ILGrowing in Chicago right now
- Chicago's heavy clay loam can freeze-thaw frequently in late winter; avoid working wet ground to prevent compaction that delays spring warming.
- The city's urban heat island effect offers slightly earlier soil thawing at north-facing plots compared to wind-swept parks on the far south side.
- Expect intermittent freezing rain events before April 21; cover any greenhouses or hoop houses with extra row covers for protection against sudden temperature dips below -5°F.
- Monitor drainage in low-lying areas along Lake Michigan, as rapid spring melt can turn heavy clay soils into temporary ponds.
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Plant hardy garlic cloves immediately in well-drained soil with tips pointing upward.
- Prepare garden beds by loosening compacted soil to encourage healthy root development for next year's crops.
- Apply a layer of compost around existing perennials to protect emerging plants from late frosts.
Pest & disease watch
- Winter moths may begin hatching from overwintered eggs on tree bark and shrubs as temperatures fluctuate above freezing.
- Slugs remain active during warm, wet spells but retreat quickly if air temps drop near the -5°F minimum; inspect seedlings after any thaw event.
- Watch for early aphid colonies forming on sheltered spring bulbs like garlic once soil warms slightly in protected microclimates.
Watering this week
Water garlic cloves lightly after planting, then wait until the soil is moist but not soggy before watering again.
Since Daikon radish will be ready soon, mark those spots now so you can plant a quick succession crop like lettuce once they are harvested.
Chicago gardening questions
3Can I transplant tomatoes or peppers now in Chicago?
No, with an average last frost date of April 21 and potential dips to -5°F, outdoor transplants will be killed by late freezes. Wait until mid-May when soil consistently warms above 60°F before moving tender plants outside.
Will Daikon radishes be ready to harvest soon?
This is the specific window to sow hardneck garlic varieties; plant cloves pointy-side up about 2 inches deep in well-drained beds now for optimal bulb formation.
Are there any pests I should watch for on my winter garlic or other overwintered plants?
Daikon radishes and garlic are scheduled for early harvest, so check bulbs for rotting caused by lingering moisture from spring rains. Keep an eye out for slugs during warm afternoons that follow freezing nights.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Chicago garden in SproutGuide →