What Growing Zone Is Northfield?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Northfield a growing zone designation of 6a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Northfield's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Northfield's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 6aLatest IL growing zone map

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

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Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
map of growing zone 6aLatest 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 Northfield is in growing zone 6a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Northfield'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 Northfield 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 Northfield, IL.

The USDA hardiness zone is 6a for Northfield. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

Northfield's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 6a

Zip Codes: 60093

Longitude: -87.7791

Latitude: 42.1025

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -10 to -5

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Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Map of the Northfield Area

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Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Wooden Chicken Coop

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

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.

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Small Greenhouse Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Metal Arbor Trellis

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.

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