Frost Dates for Canton, OH

In Canton, OH, the average last spring frost is around Apr 24 and the average first fall frost around Oct 26, for a growing season of about 184 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 2450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 11only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2650% chance of frost before this date
Growing season184 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Akron Canton Rgnl Airport, OH weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 1,208 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 11Oct 11
20%May 5Oct 16
30%Apr 30Oct 20
40%Apr 27Oct 23
50%Apr 24Oct 26
60%Apr 21Oct 30
70%Apr 18Nov 1
80%Apr 15Nov 4
90%Apr 10Nov 8

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)May 3Oct 13
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 24Oct 26
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 13Nov 7

Planting calendar for Canton

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant May 1 – May 15
Peppers
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Basil
Indoors Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant May 1 – May 15
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 27 – Apr 3
Sow or transplant May 1 – May 15
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 27 – Apr 3
Sow or transplant May 1 – May 15
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow May 1 – May 15
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 27 – Apr 3
Sow or transplant May 8 – May 22
Green beans
Sow May 1 – May 15
Sweet corn
Sow May 1 – May 15
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 13 – Mar 27
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 28
Spinach
Sow Mar 13 – Apr 3
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 21
Peas
Sow Mar 13 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Kale
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 14
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Carrots
Sow Apr 3 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Radishes
Sow Mar 20 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 5
Beets
Sow Apr 3 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 30 – Feb 13
Plant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Potatoes
Plant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Garlic
Plant Oct 26 – Nov 23

Based on the average last frost (Apr 24) and first frost (Oct 26). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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