What Growing Zone Is Rock Falls?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Rock Falls a growing zone designation of 5b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Rock Falls's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Rock Falls's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 5bLatest IL growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Rock Falls area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Rock Falls, IL.

Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Wooden Chicken Coop

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
map of growing zone 5bLatest IL growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since Rock Falls is in growing zone 5b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Rock Falls's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the Rock Falls area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in Rock Falls, IL.

The USDA hardiness zone is 5b for Rock Falls. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

Rock Falls's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 5b

Zip Codes: 61071

Longitude: -89.6928

Latitude: 41.7724

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -15 to -10

Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Metal Arbor Trellis

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

Map of the Rock Falls Area

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Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

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