When To Start Planting Vegetables In Ohio
The optimal time to start planting vegetables in Ohio can vary, depending on the type of plant and the region of the state. In general, temperatures should be moderate and no longer at risk of frost. Knowing the average first and last frost dates for your area can be a helpful guide in deciding when to plant.
Spring Planting
Ohio’s Spring tends to be fairly mild, allowing for optimal growth of certain vegetables. Top vegetables to plant in Springtime include:
Cool-Season Vegetables
- Peas: These can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked
- Lettuce: To avoid bolting, lettuce should be planted in the very early Spring, before temperatures get too warm
- Radish: Plant these between 4 and 6 weeks before the last frost date.
- Broccoli: Plant approximately 2 weeks before the last frost date for an optimal harvest.
Warm-Season Vegetables
- Tomatoes: Wait until the soil warms up a bit, about 10 to 14 days after the last frost.
- Cucumbers: Plant 1-2 weeks after the last frost.
- Summer Squash: Wait until the soil has warmed up closest to the last frost date.
- Beans: Wait until 2 weeks after the last frost date to plant.
Fall Planting
Temperatures in Ohio during the Fall months tend to range between mild and cooler. This makes Fall a great time for planting many cool-season vegetables, including:
- Kale: Plant this a few weeks before the first frost date.
- Carrots: Carrots can be planted up to 2 months before the first frost date.
- Turnips: Plant these 2-3 weeks before the first frost date.
- Parsnips: Plant 1 month before the expected first frost date.
The key to successful vegetable gardening in Ohio is to know what vegetables should be planted in the Spring and what should be planted in the Fall, as well as when to begin planting according to the expected first and last frost dates. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy a bounty of vegetables through the Spring and Fall!
