Spring gardening in Ohio: Planting dates, lawn care and other tips to know ✂️🌳

It's officially spring and, with warmer weather on the way, some Cincinnati gardeners may be itching to get outside and plant.

But, not so fast. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, most seeds shouldn't be planted or transplanted outdoors in Greater Cincinnati until late April, or after the threat of the last frost has passed.

So, when is the last frost? And how important is Ohio's plant hardiness zone? For a more detailed look at when to plant what, we answered some of the most commonly searched springtime gardening questions in Ohio.

Find the answers below, and happy planting.

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When is the last frost in Ohio?

On average, the last spring frost in Greater Cincinnati is on April 23, according to the Almanac. In Columbus, it's April 27 and in Cleveland it's April 14.

Enter your location on the Almanac's frost date guide at almanac.com to find the last frost in your area.

What plant hardiness zone is Ohio?

Most of Ohio falls under plant hardiness zone 6a, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Some areas are listed as zone 6b and 5b.

Plant hardiness zones can help decipher whether a plant will thrive in your climate. Check your zone against the zone listed in a plant's care card. Zones are based on the average annual minimum temperature in winter, as recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Use the USDA's interactive map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov to find your area's plant hardiness zone.