Ohio Planting Zones

The Ohio climate is known as a humid continental climate in the majority of the state. The far south region of the state, however, is a humid subtropical climate. The climate across all of the state’s planting zones go from one extreme to another. Winters have an average temperature of 29 degrees and range from cool to very cold, with more snow in the northern parts of the state, while the southern region tends to be a bit warmer. Severe weather is common, with lake effect snow being the norm along Lake Erie’s southeast shore. Summer temperatures average about 70 degrees statewide, but vary widely depending on location. In the western parts of the state, average highs are in the mid 80s, while the north east region is in the low 80s. Summers overall are humid and warm throughout the entire state. Annual average precipitation is moderate. 

There are only two Ohio growing zones and they fall between 5b and 6b. You can quickly find your growing zone using Gilmour’s Interactive Planting Zone Map. Growing zones are also known as planting zones, and they help gardeners decide what flowers, plants or vegetables to plant. Zones determine which plants will be able to survive winter conditions. But planting zones do more than just guide us on what to plant. They also help determine the best time to plant. Ohio planting zones, like all planting zones, are based on first and last frost dates. When planting a garden, it is important to seek out plants that are rated for the Ohio planting zone you are planting in or lower. An example of this is if you are planting in zone 5b, be sure to choose plants rated for zones 1 through 5. Planting anything rated for a higher zone increases the risk of losing plants during the winter.   

Ohio has an abundance of vegetables, plants and flowers that grow very well. Use the hardiness zone guide to find plants that will not only survive, but thrive. Many native options are great to choose from, including wild geranium, trout lily, black-eyed Susans, butterfly weed, white trillium and goldenrod, to name just a few. Beets, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, carrots, parsley and parsnips all do very well in Ohio growing zones.