What Type of Soil Is in Chicago, IL (60601)?
Maps show what is typical for Chicago, IL. A home test kit tells you the pH and nutrient levels of your yard.As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Get a soil test kit →Soil Profile
| Soil Type | Clay Loam |
|---|---|
| Soil Series | Ashkum |
| pH Range | 6.2 - 7.0 (Near Neutral) |
| Drainage | Poorly Drained |
| Organic Matter | 4.5% (High) |
| Water Holding Capacity | 0.19 in/in (High) |
| USDA Zone | Zone 5b (min -15°F) |
| Hydrologic Group | C/D |
What This Means for Your Garden
The dominant soil in Chicago, IL is Clay Loam soil. Clay soils are known for being heavy and dense. They hold nutrients and moisture well, which is great for plants during dry spells, but they can become waterlogged after heavy rain. Working organic matter into clay soil helps improve its structure and drainage over time.
The pH in your area ranges from 6.2 - 7.0, which is classified as Near Neutral. This near-neutral range is ideal for most garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and the majority of common vegetables and flowers.
Your USDA hardiness zone is 5b, meaning winter lows can reach around -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This determines which perennials, trees, and shrubs will survive winter in your area. Check the plant recommendations below for varieties suited to both your soil and climate.
Best Plants for Your Soil & Zone
These plants thrive in Clay Loam soil and USDA zone 5b.
Vegetables
Fruits
Flowers
Herbs
Trees
Shrubs
How to Improve Your Soil
Here are the top amendments recommended for Clay Loam soil:
- Compost — Improves drainage and loosens the clay fraction
- Gypsum (sodic clay only) — Replaces sodium with calcium in sodic clay; does little for typical clay loam
- Coarse Bark Mulch — Prevents compaction from rain impact and adds organic matter
- Green Manure (Winter Rye) — Root systems break up compacted layers
Test before you amend
Our data is drawn from USDA soil surveys, so it describes the dominant soil across an area — useful for planning, not precise enough for dosing lime or fertiliser. Before you buy amendments for Chicago, IL, run a test on the bed you actually garden: pH and N-P-K vary from one end of a yard to the other.
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Nearby Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil is in Chicago, IL (60601)?
60601 has Clay Loam soil based on USDA soil survey data. It is poorly drained with a pH range of 6.2 - 7.0.
What USDA hardiness zone is 60601?
Chicago, IL (60601) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, with minimum winter temperatures around -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
What grows well in Clay Loam soil?
Clay Loam soil works well for many common garden plants. Check the plant recommendations section above for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and trees that thrive in this soil type and zone 5b.
How do I improve Clay Loam soil for gardening?
The best approach is to add organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. See our full amendment guide for Clay Loam soil for step-by-step instructions.
Where does this soil data come from?
All soil data on MySoilType comes from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey, the most comprehensive source of soil information in the United States.