## Ohio Vegetable Garden Planning Guide
Ohio’s climate varies from zone 5a in the north to zone 6b in the south. This means that gardeners in Ohio can grow a wide variety of vegetables, from cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach to warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers.
The best time to plant a vegetable garden in Ohio is in the spring, after the last frost date. However, some cool-season crops can be planted in the fall, and some warm-season crops can be started indoors and transplanted outdoors after the weather warms up.
When planning your vegetable garden, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight and water that your plants will need. Most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight per day, and some need even more. It is also important to make sure that your garden has good drainage, as vegetables do not like to sit in wet soil.
Once you have chosen a location for your garden, you need to prepare the soil. This involves tilling the soil to loosen it up and adding compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility. You may also need to add fertilizer, depending on the needs of the vegetables you are growing.
Now that you have some background on Ohio’s climate and how to prepare your garden, let’s take a look at this extensive list of what to plant in an Ohio vegetable garden.
### Cool-Season Vegetables
Cool-season vegetables can be planted in the spring or fall. They prefer cool weather and will bolt (produce flowers and seeds) if the weather gets too hot.
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Collard greens
Kale
Lettuce
Mustard greens
Peas
Potatoes
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss chard
Turnips
### Warm-Season Vegetables
Warm-season vegetables should be planted after the last frost date. They prefer warm weather and will not tolerate frost.
Beans
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Melons
Okra
Peppers
Pumpkins
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Watermelon
### Planting Times for Ohio Vegetables
The following table provides a general guide to planting times for vegetables in Ohio. Keep in mind that actual planting dates may vary depending on the weather and your specific location.
| Vegetable | Spring Planting Dates | Fall Planting Dates |
|—|—|—|
| Asparagus | March-April | September-October |
| Beets | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Broccoli | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Brussels sprouts | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Cabbage | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Carrots | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Cauliflower | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Celery | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Collard greens | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Kale | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Lettuce | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Mustard greens | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Peas | March-April | September-October |
| Potatoes | April-May | September-October |
| Radishes | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Spinach | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Swiss chard | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Turnips | March-April, September-October | July-August |
| Beans | May-June | August-September |
| Corn | May-June | |
| Cucumbers | May-June | |
| Eggplant | May-June | |
| Melons | May-June | |
| Okra | May-June | |
| Peppers | May-June | |
| Pumpkins | May-June | |
| Squash | May-June | |
| Sweet potatoes | May-June | |
| Tomatoes | May-June | |
| Watermelon | May-June | |
### Tips for Growing Vegetables in Ohio
Choose the right location. Vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight per day and well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil. Till the soil to loosen it up and add compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility.
Plant at the right time. Cool-season vegetables can be planted in the spring or fall, while warm-season vegetables should be planted after the last frost date.
Water regularly. Vegetables need about 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilize regularly. Vegetables need fertilizer to grow strong and healthy.
Mulch around plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Control pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can damage vegetable plants. Take steps to control them, such as using organic pesticides or fungicides.
Harvest vegetables when they are ripe. Vegetables are at their best when they are ripe. Harvest them at the right time to enjoy their full flavor and nutritional value.