Curious about Ohio’s USDA Hardiness zone? At Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm in Medina, OH, we’re here to help you grow a thriving vegetable garden. Ohio falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 6a (northern Ohio, -10°F to -5°F) and 6b (southern Ohio and Lake Erie shoreline, -5°F to 0°F), with milder winters near Lake Erie due to its warming effect, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Here’s how to succeed in Ohio’s climate with tips from Boyert’s!
Ohio’s Hardiness Zones and Planting Tips
- Zone 6a (Northern Ohio): Includes Akron, Toledo, and inland Cleveland. Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and broccoli in April to beat late frosts.
- Zone 6b (Southern Ohio and Lake Erie Shoreline): Covers Columbus, Cincinnati, and coastal Cleveland. Warmer conditions allow slightly earlier planting, like beans and corn in mid-May, and tomatoes or peppers by late May.
Key Planting Schedule for Ohio
- April: Sow beets, carrots, lettuce, peas, and radishes. Start broccoli and cabbage indoors in early March for April transplanting.
- Mid-May: Plant beans and corn as soil warms.
- Late May: Transplant cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers after the last frost (mid-April to early May, earlier near Lake Erie).
Garden Care for Ohio’s Climate
- Prepare Soil: Add 2–4 inches of compost (6 inches for new gardens) to improve Ohio’s clay-heavy soil and drainage, especially in Zone 6a’s wet springs.
- Water Smart: Water in the early morning to prevent mildew in Ohio’s humid summers.
- Fertilize: Use Garden-Tone fertilizer every 4–6 weeks for healthy growth.
Ready to Start Gardening?
Visit Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm (7171 Wooster Pike, Medina, OH) for:
- Quality Supplies: Seeds, seedlings, compost, and Garden-Tone for Ohio’s Zones 6a and 6b.
- Expert Advice: Our team offers tips tailored to Ohio’s climate.
- Fun Events: Join us at one of our events for gardening fun for the whole family!
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Start your Ohio garden today with Boyert’s—see you soon!
Happy gardening in Zones 6a and 6b!
