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Dayton, OH Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Dayton usually comes around Apr 21 and the first fall frost around Nov 1, a growing season of about 194 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 10 – Mar 24 and plant them outside May 5 – May 19.

Last spring frostApr 21
First fall frostNov 1
Growing season194 days

When to plant vegetables in Dayton

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 10 – Mar 24May 5 – May 19—
PeppersMar 3 – Mar 17May 12 – May 26—
EggplantMar 3 – Mar 17May 12 – May 26—
Cucumbers—May 5 – May 19—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 5 – May 19—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 12 – May 26—
Green beans—May 5 – May 19Aug 9 – Aug 23
Sweet corn—May 5 – May 19—
BasilMar 24 – Apr 7May 5 – May 19—
LettuceFeb 24 – Mar 10Mar 24 – May 5Sep 6 – Sep 20
Spinach—Mar 10 – Mar 31Sep 6 – Sep 20
Peas—Mar 10 – Mar 31Aug 23 – Sep 6
Carrots—Mar 24 – Apr 28Aug 9 – Aug 23
Radishes—Mar 17 – May 5Sep 20 – Oct 4
BroccoliFeb 10 – Feb 24Mar 24 – Apr 7Aug 9 – Aug 23
KaleFeb 24 – Mar 10Mar 17 – Mar 31Aug 23 – Sep 6
Onions—Mar 24 – Apr 7—
Potatoes—Mar 31 – Apr 28—
Garlic——Oct 18 – Nov 22

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

Month-by-month planting in Dayton

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: 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: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  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 Dayton?

The median last spring frost is Apr 21 and the median first fall frost is Nov 1, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Dayton?

Start seeds indoors Mar 10 – Mar 24 and set plants outside May 5 – May 19, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Dayton?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 1): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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