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Cincinnati, OH Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Cincinnati usually comes around Apr 15 and the first fall frost around Nov 2, a growing season of about 201 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 4 – Mar 18 and plant them outside Apr 29 – May 13.

Last spring frostApr 15
First fall frostNov 2
Growing season201 days

When to plant vegetables in Cincinnati

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 29 – May 13—
PeppersFeb 25 – Mar 11May 6 – May 20—
EggplantFeb 25 – Mar 11May 6 – May 20—
Cucumbers—Apr 29 – May 13—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 29 – May 13—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 6 – May 20—
Green beans—Apr 29 – May 13Aug 10 – Aug 24
Sweet corn—Apr 29 – May 13—
BasilMar 18 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13—
LettuceFeb 18 – Mar 4Mar 18 – Apr 29Sep 7 – Sep 21
Spinach—Mar 4 – Mar 25Sep 7 – Sep 21
Peas—Mar 4 – Mar 25Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots—Mar 18 – Apr 22Aug 10 – Aug 24
Radishes—Mar 11 – Apr 29Sep 21 – Oct 5
BroccoliFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 18 – Apr 1Aug 10 – Aug 24
KaleFeb 18 – Mar 4Mar 11 – Mar 25Aug 24 – Sep 7
Onions—Mar 18 – Apr 1—
Potatoes—Mar 25 – Apr 22—
Garlic——Oct 19 – Nov 23

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Cincinnati. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Cincinnati

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Cincinnati?

The median last spring frost is Apr 15 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Cincinnati?

Start seeds indoors Mar 4 – Mar 18 and set plants outside Apr 29 – May 13, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Cincinnati?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 2): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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