State growing guide
Ohio Planting Guide
USDA Zone 5b/6a · Last frost Apr 22 · First frost Oct 19 · 180 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Ohio.
Frost Dates by City — Ohio
Average frost dates for major Ohio cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 6a | Apr 20 | Oct 20 | ~2 wks after (Apr 20) |
| Cleveland | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Cincinnati | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Dayton | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Akron | 5b | May 5 | Oct 10 | ~2 wks after (May 5) |
| Toledo | 6a | Apr 20 | Oct 20 | ~2 wks after (Apr 20) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Ohio Gardeners
- Columbus and Cincinnati transplant tomatoes late April to early May
- Ohio's hot humid summers produce great sweet corn and squash
- Lake Erie moderation helps northeastern Ohio — Cleveland has good growing conditions
Common Challenges in Ohio
- ⚠ Heavy clay soils across much of Ohio — add compost and gypsum
- ⚠ Late spring frosts extend into May in northern Ohio and near Lake Erie
Best Crops for Ohio
Tomatoes Peppers Sweet Corn Soybeans Apples Squash Beans Cucumbers Potatoes Pumpkins
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Ohio
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio Gardening
What zone is Ohio?
Ohio is primarily Zones 5b–6a. Columbus is Zone 6a, Cincinnati and Cleveland are Zone 6a, Akron is Zone 5b.