When to Plant in Akron, OH

In Akron, Ohio, gardeners can expect the last spring frost to occur around April 28 and the first fall frost to settle in by October 19, providing roughly 174 frost-free days for their planting activities. This growing season allows gardeners ample opportunity to cultivate a variety of crops and flowers throughout the year.

The microclimate in Akron features a humid continental (4 distinct seasons) climate, which is ideal for a range of crops. Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and sunflowers thrive here due to the warm summers, whereas crops like cucumbers and spinach tend to struggle because of the fluctuating temperatures during the early and late seasons.

What to plant now in Akron

Spring: Start sowing cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, and radishes outdoors as the soil warms up. Be prepared for the last frost on April 28 to prevent any cold damage.
Summer: Once the danger of frost has passed, typically after April 28, plant warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash that require longer growing periods.
Fall: As temperatures cool, plant fall crops such as kale, carrots, and beets, aiming to have them established before the first fall frost on October 19.
Winter: In winter, focus on indoor gardening or starting seedlings in a controlled environment for early spring planting, using this time to plan next year's garden layout and seed selections.

In Akron (174 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Akron

Month	What to do
January	Use this cold month to analyze last year’s garden performance and plan your upcoming seasons. Start ordering seeds and gardening supplies while preparing the soil for spring.
February	As temperatures remain low, focus on indoor gardening activities such as starting seeds for tomatoes and peppers. Begin planning your garden layout based on last year’s successes.
March	March is the transition month with potential warmth. Start sowing cool crops like peas and spinach outdoors in preparation for the last frost, which typically occurs around April 28.
April	In April, final preparations should be made for outdoor planting. Expect possible frost until approximately April 28, and be ready to cover young seedlings if late frosts occur.
May	May marks the official start of the warm season in Akron. Plant tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-season crops after the danger of frost has passed the last week of April.
June	June is ideal for maintaining your garden. Water regularly and apply mulch to retain soil moisture. Harvest early leafy crops and continue caring for later-maturing vegetables.
July	In July, keep up with watering and pest management as the heat peaks. This is also a great month to plant late summer crops like cucumbers and squash.
August	August serves as a transition month, where you should start preparing for fall planting. Begin sowing fast-growing crops such as kale and collard greens.
September	September is crucial for fall gardening. With the first frost predicted around October 19, make sure to harvest ripe tomatoes and prepare for the cold months ahead.
October	October signifies the end of the gardening season for many plants. Be attentive to the first frost on October 19, and harvest remaining crops before winter sets in.
November	With frost prevalent this month, focus on cleaning up the garden, mulching perennial beds, and protecting any remaining plants with coverings as winter approaches.
December	December is a quiet month for gardening in Akron. Use this time to reflect on the past year while planning future garden endeavors and study about new varieties to try in spring.

Frost dates for Akron ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
44312	April 28	October 19	6b
44319	April 28	October 19	6b
44301	April 28	October 19	6b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Akron?

The last frost in Akron typically occurs around April 28, marking a significant point for gardeners to begin planting tender crops.

What vegetables grow best in Akron?

Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and kale thrive in Akron's climate, benefiting from the warm summers and longer growing season.

When should I plant tomatoes in Akron?

Tomatoes should be planted after the final frost date of April 28, ideally around mid to late May for optimal growth.

Can I garden year-round in Akron?

While year-round gardening is challenging due to the colder months and frost, planning can allow for indoor gardening or very early spring sowing.

How does Plan My Garden help Akron gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice for Akron gardeners, offering tools for planning, planting schedules, and climate-appropriate crop recommendations.