Knowing when to plant veggies in Ohio is the key to a successful harvest. This guide covers Ohio’s prime planting schedule to help you get your timing just right.
Our state’s weather can be tricky. A late frost in spring or an early one in fall can ruin your plans. That’s why following a schedule based on your local climate is so important.
We’ll break it down by season and vegetable type. You’ll learn what to plant and when, from early spring greens to fall root crops.
When to Plant Veggies in Ohio – Ohios Prime Planting Schedule
This schedule is based on average frost dates. Ohio is split into two main USDA hardiness zones: Zone 5 in the north and Zone 6 in the south and central regions. Your last spring frost is roughly between late April and mid-May. Your first fall frost usually arrives between early October and mid-October.
Always check your specific county’s frost dates for the best results. Treat this as your essential gardening calendar.
Understanding Your Ohio Garden Climate
Ohio’s weather varies a lot from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. This affects how you should plan your planting.
Northern Ohio (Zone 5) has a shorter growing season. You need to choose faster-maturing varieties and be more cautious with early planting.
Southern and Central Ohio (Zone 6) enjoys a longer, warmer season. You can plant tender crops a bit earlier and often get a longer fall harvest.
Microclimates in your own yard matter too. A south-facing wall warms up faster in spring. Low spots can be “frost pockets” where cold air settles.
Early Spring Planting (March – April)
As soon as the ground is workable—not frozen or soggy—you can start. These cold-hardy crops can handle light frosts.
- Peas: Direct sow seeds as soon as soil can be worked. They love cool weather.
- Spinach & Lettuce: Sow seeds directly. You can make sucesive plantings every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Radishes: One of the fastest growers. Perfect for early garden success.
- Kale & Collards: Very hardy. Transplant seedlings or direct sow.
- Onion Sets & Potatoes: Plant these as early as several weeks before your last frost date.
Mid to Late Spring Planting (May – Early June)
This is your main planting season after the danger of frost has passed. The soil is warming up nicely.
- Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants: Transplant seedlings after the last frost. Warm soil is crucial for these.
- Cucumbers, Squash, Melons: Direct sow seeds or transplant. They need warm soil and sun.
- Beans (Bush & Pole): Direct sow. They germinate quickly in warm soil.
- Sweet Corn: Direct sow in blocks for good pollination.
- Carrots & Beets: Direct sow seeds. Keep the soil moist for good germination.
Pro Tip for Succession Planting
Don’t plant all your beans or corn at once. Sow a little every two weeks for a longer harvest period. This ensures you don’t get overwhelmed with to much produce all at the same time.
Summer Planting (July – August)
Yes, you plant in summer too! This is for your fall garden, which is often more productive than spring.
- Bush Beans: Direct sow in early July for a September harvest.
- Carrots & Beets: Sow again in late July. They sweeten with a light frost.
- Kale, Swiss Chard, Collards: Start seeds indoors or direct sow in mid-July for transplanting in August.
- Broccoli & Cabbage: Start seeds indoors in June or buy transplants for setting out in late July.
- Turnips & Radishes: Direct sow in August. They grow quickly in the cooling weather.
Fall & Overwintering Planting (September – October)
Extend your harvest into winter with these tough crops. Some will even survive under snow cover.
- Garlic: Plant cloves in October for a harvest next July. It needs a cold period to form bulbs.
- Spinach & Lettuce: Sow in cold frames or under row covers in early September for late fall salads.
- Cover Crops: Sow winter rye or clover in empty beds to improve your soil for next year.
Your Month-by-Month Checklist
Here’s a simplified list to keep you on track throughout the year.
March
- Plan your garden layout.
- Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli.
- Direct sow peas and spinach if ground is ready.
April
- Harden off cool-weather seedlings.
- Plant potatoes, onion sets, and more greens.
- Direct sow carrots and beets towards month’s end.
May
- After last frost, transplant warm-weather crops.
- Direct sow beans, corn, cucumbers, and squash.
- Keep an eye out for late frost warnings and be prepared to cover plants.
June
- Keep planting successions of beans and corn.
- Start seeds indoors for fall broccoli and cabbage.
- Mulch garden beds to conserve moisture and supress weeds.
July
- Direct sow fall carrots, beets, and beans.
- Transplant your fall brassica seedlings (broccoli, cabbage, kale).
- Keep harvesting regularly to encourage more production.
August
- Sow more spinach and lettuce for fall.
- Plant turnips and radishes.
- Order garlic for October planting.
September & October
- Harvest warm-season crops before frost.
- Plant garlic and cover crops.
- Clean up spent plants to reduce pest issues for next year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch for.
- Planting Too Early: Impatience leads to frost damage. Warm soil is as important as air temperature for crops like tomatoes.
- Ignoring Soil Temperature: A simple soil thermometer is a great investment. It takes the guesswork out of planting.
- Not Using Season Extenders: Cold frames, row covers, and cloches let you start earlier and harvest later. They’re worth the effort.
- Forgetting Succession Planting: Planting everything at once leads to a feast, then a famine. Stagger your plantings.
FAQ: Ohio Vegetable Planting
What is the best month to plant tomatoes in Ohio?
Transplant tomato seedlings outdoors after your last spring frost date. For most of Ohio, this is between May 10th and May 20th. Wait until night temperatures stay above 50°F consistently.
Can you grow vegetables year-round in Ohio?
With protection like cold frames or a hoophouse, you can grow hardy greens like spinach, kale, and mache through much of the winter. The main outdoor growing season runs from April to October.
When should I start seeds indoors for Ohio?
Start seeds 6-8 weeks before your planned transplant date. For tomatoes and peppers, that’s usually mid-March. For fall broccoli, start seeds in June.
What are the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners in Ohio?
Start with lettuce, radishes, bush beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. These are reliable and give you quick results, which keeps motivation high.
Following Ohio’s prime planting schedule takes the confusion out of gardening. By aligning your planting dates with the natural rhythms of our state’s climate, you set yourself up for a bountiful harvest from spring straight through to fall. Keep a simple garden journal each year, noting what you planted when and how it performed. This personal record will become your most valuable tool for refining your own perfect schedule season after season.