Frost Dates for Hamilton, OH

In Hamilton, OH, the average last spring frost is around Apr 22 and the average first fall frost around Oct 18, for a growing season of about 178 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 10, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 2250% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 10only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 1850% chance of frost before this date
Growing season178 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Hamilton Butler Co Rgnl Airport, OH weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 634 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 10Oct 5
20%May 4Oct 9
30%Apr 29Oct 12
40%Apr 25Oct 15
50%Apr 22Oct 18
60%Apr 18Oct 20
70%Apr 15Oct 23
80%Apr 11Oct 25
90%Apr 6Oct 29

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 2Oct 7
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 22Oct 18
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 8Oct 27

Planting calendar for Hamilton

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Peppers
Indoors Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant May 6 – May 20
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant May 6 – May 20
Basil
Indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 29 – May 13
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant May 6 – May 20
Green beans
Sow Apr 29 – May 13
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 29 – May 13
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 20
Spinach
Sow Mar 11 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 13
Peas
Sow Mar 11 – Mar 25
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Kale
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Sow or transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Sep 6
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Carrots
Sow Apr 1 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Radishes
Sow Mar 18 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 27
Beets
Sow Apr 1 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11
Plant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Potatoes
Plant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Garlic
Plant Oct 18 – Nov 15

Based on the average last frost (Apr 22) and first frost (Oct 18). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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