Ohio, US
Planting calendar for Columbus, Ohio
Last frost around April 13, first frost around November 3: about 204 frost-free days.
- Last frost
- April 13 on average
- First frost
- November 3 on average
- Frost-free days
- 204 in a typical year
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Columbus, Ohio. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
| Crop | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Sow under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Sow under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Plant under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Plant under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Sow under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Plant under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Brassicas | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors May 18 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

- Sow outdoors
- May 18 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
- Under cover
- Apr 20 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 17 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 19 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around August 9.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 22 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Apr 24 to Jul 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

- Sow outdoors
- May 22 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
- Under cover
- Apr 24 to Jul 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around August 8.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 22 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 24 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

- Sow outdoors
- May 22 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
- Under cover
- Apr 24 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around August 20.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 17 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 28; Under cover Apr 19 to Sep 25

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 28
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Sep 25
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around June 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 17 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 23; Under cover Apr 19 to Sep 20

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 23
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Sep 20
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around June 28.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 17 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 10; Under cover Apr 19 to Jul 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 10
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Jul 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around July 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors May 12 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 12; Under cover Apr 14 to Jul 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 12, and Aug 24 to Sep 9

- Sow outdoors
- May 12 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 12
- Under cover
- Apr 14 to Jul 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 12, and Aug 24 to Sep 9
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 12, ready around July 11.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Mar 29 to Jul 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 10; Under cover Mar 1 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Jul 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 10
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7
- First harvest
- About 74 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 11.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Mar 29 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 1 to Sep 22

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 25
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Sep 22
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Mar 23 to Jun 8; Under cover Feb 23 to Jul 6

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to Jun 8
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jul 6
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around June 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Mar 23 to May 27, and Jul 29 to Oct 2; Under cover Feb 23 to Oct 30

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 27, and Jul 29 to Oct 2
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Oct 30
- First harvest
- About 20 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around April 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Mar 23 to May 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 11; Under cover Feb 23 to Jun 15, and Jun 29 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8

- Plant outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 11
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jun 15, and Jun 29 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8
- First harvest
- About 69 days after planting. Planted on March 23, ready around May 31.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Mar 23 to Jun 9, and Jul 17 to Sep 5; Under cover Feb 23 to Oct 3

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to Jun 9, and Jul 17 to Sep 5
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Oct 3
- First harvest
- About 41 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around May 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Mar 24 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 1; Under cover Feb 24 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Sep 29

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 1
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Sep 29
- First harvest
- About 49 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around May 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Mar 23 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 26; Under cover Feb 23 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 24

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 26
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 24
- First harvest
- About 31 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around April 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Mar 29 to Sep 5; Under cover Mar 1 to Oct 3

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Sep 5
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Oct 3
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Mar 23 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 28; Under cover Feb 23 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 26

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 28
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 26
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around April 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Mar 19 to May 18; Under cover Feb 19 to Jun 15

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 19 to May 18
- Under cover
- Feb 19 to Jun 15
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on March 19, ready around June 11.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors May 12 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 16; Under cover Apr 14 to Sep 13

- Sow outdoors
- May 12 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 16
- Under cover
- Apr 14 to Sep 13
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 12, ready around July 5.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors May 12 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 26; Under cover Apr 14 to Sep 23

- Sow outdoors
- May 12 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 26
- Under cover
- Apr 14 to Sep 23
- First harvest
- About 44 days after sowing. Sown on May 12, ready around June 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Oct 21 to Nov 14; Under cover Sep 23 to Dec 12

- Sow outdoors
- Oct 21 to Nov 14
- Under cover
- Sep 23 to Dec 12
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 21, ready around May 29.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Mar 23 to May 27, and Jul 29 to Aug 17; Under cover Feb 23 to Jul 20, and Jul 29 to Aug 17, and Aug 26 to Sep 14

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 27, and Jul 29 to Aug 17
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jul 20, and Jul 29 to Aug 17, and Aug 26 to Sep 14
- First harvest
- About 55 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around May 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Mar 21 to May 11; Under cover Feb 21 to Jun 8

- Plant outdoors
- Mar 21 to May 11
- Under cover
- Feb 21 to Jun 8
- First harvest
- About 94 days after planting. Planted on March 21, ready around June 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Oct 21 to Nov 18; Under cover Sep 23 to Dec 16

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 21 to Nov 18
- Under cover
- Sep 23 to Dec 16
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 21, ready around June 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Mar 23 to Jul 8; Under cover Feb 23 to Aug 5

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to Jul 8
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Aug 5
- First harvest
- About 103 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around July 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors Mar 19 to Sep 15; Under cover Feb 19 to Oct 13

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 19 to Sep 15
- Under cover
- Feb 19 to Oct 13
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 19, ready around April 30.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Mar 16 to May 29; Under cover Feb 16 to Jun 26

- Plant outdoors
- Mar 16 to May 29
- Under cover
- Feb 16 to Jun 26
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on March 16, ready around June 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Mar 23 to Aug 10; Under cover Feb 23 to Sep 7

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to Aug 10
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Sep 7
- First harvest
- About 76 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around June 7.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Mar 29 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 1 to Aug 12, and Aug 24 to Sep 9

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Jun 27, and Jul 27 to Aug 12
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Aug 12, and Aug 24 to Sep 9
- First harvest
- About 67 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Mar 23 to May 27; Under cover Feb 23 to Jun 24

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 27
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jun 24
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around June 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Mar 23 to May 23; Under cover Feb 23 to Jun 20

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 23
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jun 20
- First harvest
- About 120 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around July 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Mar 29 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 20; Under cover Mar 1 to Sep 17

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 20
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Sep 17
- First harvest
- About 59 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 27.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Apr 3 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 18; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 16

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 18
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 16
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Apr 13 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 16 to Sep 26

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 13 to Aug 29
- Under cover
- Mar 16 to Sep 26
- First harvest
- About 44 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around May 27.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Mar 23 to Sep 3; Under cover Feb 23 to Oct 1

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to Sep 3
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Oct 1
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on March 23, ready around May 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Mar 29 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 17; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 15

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to May 17, and Aug 7 to Sep 17
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Jun 14, and Jul 10 to Oct 15
- First harvest
- About 38 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Mar 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Aug 19; Under cover Feb 23 to Sep 16

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 27 to Aug 19
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Sep 16
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors Mar 29 to Oct 6; Under cover Mar 1 to Nov 3

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Oct 6
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Nov 3
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Mar 23 to May 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 16; Under cover Feb 23 to Jun 20, and Jun 29 to Sep 13

- Plant outdoors
- Mar 23 to May 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 16
- Under cover
- Feb 23 to Jun 20, and Jun 29 to Sep 13
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryOutdoors Nov 6 to Nov 25; Under cover Oct 9 to Oct 28, and Nov 6 to Nov 25, and Dec 4 to Dec 23

- Plant outdoors
- Nov 6 to Nov 25
- Under cover
- Oct 9 to Oct 28, and Nov 6 to Nov 25, and Dec 4 to Dec 23
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
RhubarbOutdoors Oct 28 to Nov 22; Under cover Sep 30 to Dec 20

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 28 to Nov 22
- Under cover
- Sep 30 to Dec 20
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Questions about growing in Columbus, Ohio
When is the last frost in Columbus, Ohio?
On average around April 13, and the first autumn frost comes around November 3. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Columbus, Ohio?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 18 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, or under cover Apr 20 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6.
What can I sow in Columbus, Ohio in November?
Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, raspberry, rhubarb.
How accurate are these dates?
They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.
How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work
