Frost dates for 43217 — Columbus, OH
How Columbus compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Columbus falls between April 11 and May 8, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 6 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Ohio median of Apr 24.
- Its 179-day growing season is longer than 44% of the 1,063 Ohio places with a regular frost season (state median 180 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6b, where the median is Apr 22.
- The weather station records an average of 118 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 11 |
| 50% (median) | April 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 6 |
| 50% (median) | October 19 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Columbus, OH
Frost dates for 43217 — Columbus, OH — last frost Apr 23, first frost Oct 19, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Columbus, OH
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Okra | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Basil | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 7 – May 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 5 – Nov 9 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Columbus-Valley Crossing, OH weather station, 9 km away (elevation 761 ft (232 m)).
ZIP codes in Columbus: 43085 43201 43202 43203 43204 43205 43206 43207 43209 43210 43211 43212 43213 43214 43215 43216 43217 43218 43219 43220 43221 43222 43223 43224 43226 43227 43228 43229 43230 43231 43232 43234 43235 43236 43240 43251 43260 43266 43268 43270 43271 43272 43279 43287 43291
Frost dates near Columbus
- Lockbourne Apr 23 · Oct 19
- Groveport Apr 23 · Oct 19
- Ashville Apr 17 · Oct 28
- Lithopolis Apr 26 · Oct 13
- Canal Winchester Apr 23 · Oct 19
- Commercial Point Apr 23 · Oct 19
- Brice Apr 23 · Oct 19
- Grove City Apr 23 · Oct 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Columbus, OH?
The median last spring frost in Columbus, OH is April 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Columbus, OH?
The median first fall frost is October 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 6.
How long is the growing season in Columbus, OH?
About 179 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Columbus, OH?
Columbus, OH is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.