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Columbus, OH Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Columbus usually comes around Apr 16 and the first fall frost around Nov 2, a growing season of about 200 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19 and plant them outside Apr 30 – May 14.

Last spring frostApr 16
First fall frostNov 2
Growing season200 days

When to plant vegetables in Columbus

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 30 – May 14—
PeppersFeb 26 – Mar 12May 7 – May 21—
EggplantFeb 26 – Mar 12May 7 – May 21—
Cucumbers—Apr 30 – May 14—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 30 – May 14—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 7 – May 21—
Green beans—Apr 30 – May 14Aug 10 – Aug 24
Sweet corn—Apr 30 – May 14—
BasilMar 19 – Apr 2Apr 30 – May 14—
LettuceFeb 19 – Mar 5Mar 19 – Apr 30Sep 7 – Sep 21
Spinach—Mar 5 – Mar 26Sep 7 – Sep 21
Peas—Mar 5 – Mar 26Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots—Mar 19 – Apr 23Aug 10 – Aug 24
Radishes—Mar 12 – Apr 30Sep 21 – Oct 5
BroccoliFeb 5 – Feb 19Mar 19 – Apr 2Aug 10 – Aug 24
KaleFeb 19 – Mar 5Mar 12 – Mar 26Aug 24 – Sep 7
Onions—Mar 19 – Apr 2—
Potatoes—Mar 26 – Apr 23—
Garlic——Oct 19 – Nov 23

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Columbus. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Columbus

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Columbus?

The median last spring frost is Apr 16 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Columbus?

Start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19 and set plants outside Apr 30 – May 14, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Columbus?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 2): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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