What to Plant Right Now in Central Illinois: Spring Flowers & Veggies for Zones 5b/6a

Spring has finally sprung in Central Illinois, and that means it's the perfect time to get your hands a little dirty and your garden growing! Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just dipping your toes into gardening, April is the month to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Here’s a handy guide to what you can plant right now in zones 5b and 6a—no matter your experience level!

Vegetables to Plant in April

Now that the danger of hard frost is mostly behind us (but keep an eye on the weather—Illinois loves a surprise!), you can start planting some cool-season vegetables and even begin preparing for warm-season crops.

Cool-Season Veggies (Plant Now):

Lettuce – Leaf, romaine, and butterhead varieties thrive in cooler temps.

Spinach – Quick to grow and perfect for early spring.

Radishes – Super fast growers—you’ll see sprouts in just a few days!

Carrots – Best planted in loose, well-drained soil.

Peas – Sugar snap or snow peas love cool spring weather.

Broccoli & Cauliflower – Start from transplants for a head start.

Kale & Swiss Chard – Cold-hardy and nutritious.

Start Indoors or Wait Until May (Warm-Season Crops):

Tomatoes

Peppers

Cucumbers

Squash

Melons

You can start these indoors now and transplant after Mother’s Day, which is our unofficial "safe date" for frost-free planting in Central Illinois.

Flowers to Plant in April

Flowers not only brighten your yard but also bring pollinators to your vegetable garden. Here are some early bloomers and strong starters for spring planting.

Cold-Hardy Annuals:

Pansies & Violas – They can handle a light frost and add instant cheer!

Snapdragons – Vibrant colors and great for containers or garden beds.

Alyssum – A lovely ground cover that smells heavenly.

Perennials You Can Plant Now:

Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Native and loved by pollinators.

Daylilies – Easy to care for and long-lasting.

Hostas – Perfect for shady spots.

Peonies – Plant bare roots or nursery starts.

Flowering Bulbs (for Fall Blooms or Next Spring):

Dahlias – Plant tubers after the last frost.

Lilies – Can be planted now for mid-summer blooms.

Tips for Older Gardeners: Gardening Made Easier

At Central Illinois Stairlift, we know that gardening is not just a hobby—it’s therapy for the soul. But bending, kneeling, and lifting heavy bags of soil can be a challenge as we age. Here are a few tips to keep gardening enjoyable and pain-free:

Use raised beds or container gardens to reduce bending and make everything more accessible.

Choose lightweight tools with easy-grip handles.

Invest in a garden stool or kneeler to give your back and knees a break.

Water with a hose reel or drip irrigation system to avoid lugging watering cans.

Happy Gardening!

Gardening in Central Illinois this time of year is all about cool-season crops, cold-hardy blooms, and preparing for the warm weather ahead. Whether you're planting lettuce or lilies, there's nothing better than watching your garden grow.

And if getting up and down stairs is keeping you from enjoying your backyard or deck, don’t forget—Central Illinois Stairlift is here to help you stay mobile and independent inside and outside your home.

Need a free stairlift consultation? Give us a call or send us a message—we’d love to help you enjoy your home and garden even more this spring!