Frost dates for 43220 — Columbus, OH
How Columbus compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Columbus falls between April 6 and May 9, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 9 and November 4.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Ohio median of Apr 24.
- Its 184-day growing season is longer than 62% 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 112 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 6 |
| 50% (median) | April 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 9 |
| 50% (median) | October 23 |
| 90% (late) | November 4 |
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 43220 — Columbus, OH — last frost Apr 22, first frost Oct 23, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Columbus, OH
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 |
| Kale | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cabbage | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Okra | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Basil | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 6 – May 27 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 9 – Nov 13 |
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 Ohio State Univ Ap, OH weather station, 3 km away (elevation 906 ft (276 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
- Hilliard Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Dublin Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Amlin Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Westerville Apr 22 · Oct 24
- Powell Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Galloway Apr 20 · Oct 24
- Lewis Center Apr 22 · Oct 24
- Plain City Apr 19 · Oct 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Columbus, OH?
The median last spring frost in Columbus, OH is April 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 9, 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 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Columbus, OH?
About 184 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.