When to Plant in Columbus, OH

Columbus sits in central Ohio — Zone 6a with a typical last frost around April 26. The state capital's location gives it a moderate climate without the strong lake effect of northern Ohio or the warmer Ohio River influence of Cincinnati.

Columbus gardeners work with a roughly 175-day growing season. The city's community garden network is growing, and the moderate climate supports excellent spring and fall gardens alongside a productive summer season.

What to plant now in Columbus

Spring: After April 26 last frost — tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and cucumbers.
Early Spring (Mar–Apr): Peas, lettuce, spinach, kale, and onion sets as soil warms.
Fall: Broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and carrots for October harvest.
Winter: Garlic planted in October. Planning and seed starting.

In Columbus (170 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 Columbus

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Start onion seeds indoors late January.
February	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors.
March	Direct sow peas and spinach. Start brassica transplants.
April	After April 26 — transplant warm-season crops. Direct sow beans.
May	Full spring garden. Plant squash and cucumbers.
June	Summer garden growing.
July	Harvest summer crops. Start fall seedlings.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and lettuce. Direct sow carrots.
September	Fall planting: spinach and radishes.
October	First frost mid-October. Plant garlic.
November	Harvest cold-hardy crops.
December	Rest season. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Columbus ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
43228	April 26	October 13	6b
43230	April 26	October 13	6b

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Columbus, OH?

Columbus's average last frost date is around April 26. Start warm-season seeds indoors in early March.

What grows best in Columbus?

Columbus's moderate Ohio climate supports excellent cool-season crops in spring and fall, plus productive warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash through summer.

When should I plant tomatoes in Columbus?

Start seeds indoors in early March. Transplant outdoors after April 20th.

How does Plan My Garden help Columbus gardeners?

Enter your Columbus zip code for exact planting dates tuned to central Ohio's growing calendar.