When Should I Plant After Last Frost in Ohio?
Asked by GardenG4rl19
Hey everyone! I live in zone 6b in NE Ohio near Lake Erie, and I'm a bit confused. My last frost date is April 20th, which I've been following, but now I hear that I shouldn't plant anything until after Mother's Day. I've already started seeding about 6-8 weeks before the last frost and have a ton of plants ready to go. Any advice on whether I should stick with the April frost date or wait until Mother's Day? I'm really stressed out about this!
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I totally get the stress! In my experience, planting around Mother's Day works better for warm-weather crops like peppers and tomatoes. The overnight lows can be too harsh if you plant too early. But definitely start sowing your more cold-tolerant plants like lettuce or onions now! They can handle a little chill. Keep an eye on the weather; if it looks good a week before Mother's Day, you're probably safe. Just remember, there's no perfect rule—we all do our best with the weather!
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It's tricky since the last frost date is just an average based on historical data. Some gardeners, especially in colder regions, recommend waiting a bit longer to avoid any risks. In my area in Central NY, we usually don't put out warm-season crops like tomatoes until Memorial Day for the best results. Maybe try planting some and hold some back just in case?
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GardenG4rl19: I appreciate the reassurance! I’ve already started my greens outside, but I have so many tomatoes and peppers that I want to make sure are safe. At this point, I guess I’ll wait for May!