Image from USDA
Characteristics of Ohio’s Planting Region
Ohio’s climate is classified as humid continental, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. The state's geography includes the Lake Erie shoreline in the north, which has a moderating effect on temperatures, and the Appalachian foothills in the southeast, where elevation can impact growing conditions.
Ohio gardeners can expect:
- Summers with July temperatures averaging between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C)
- Winters with January averages ranging from 15°F to 30°F (-9°C to -1°C)
- Annual rainfall is between 35 and 45 inches, with consistent precipitation throughout the year
The growing season varies by region:
- Northern Ohio: Late May to early October
- Central Ohio: Early May to mid-October
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Southern Ohio: Late April to late October
Challenges of Growing in Ohio
Lake Effect Weather
In northern Ohio, areas near Lake Erie experience “lake effect” weather patterns, leading to unpredictable winter snowfall and increased humidity in summer. This affects plant hardiness and disease susceptibility.
Variable Soil Conditions
Ohio features a mix of soil types, including clay-heavy soils in central and western regions and more acidic, rocky soils in the Appalachian foothills. Gardeners must often amend their soil with compost or raised beds for optimal growth.
Pest and Disease Pressure
The humid summers create ideal conditions for fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and blight, and increased insect activity, including aphids, beetles, and Japanese beetles.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Ohio
For Ohio gardeners, a greenhouse is a valuable investment that protects plants from extreme weather and extends the growing season.
1. Extend Your Growing Season
- Without a Greenhouse: The outdoor growing season typically lasts from late April through October, but early frosts in northern Ohio can cut it short.
- With a Greenhouse: You can begin planting as early as February and continue harvesting into December. This is particularly beneficial for sensitive plants that struggle with Ohio’s unpredictable frosts and temperature swings
Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Ohio.
Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Ohio
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables Without a Greenhouse:
- Without a Greenhouse:
Ohio outdoor gardens typically succeed with:
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Tomatoes Peppers Corn Potatoes |
Squash Melons Okra Green beans |
- With a Greenhouse:
You can successfully cultivate a broader range of vegetables, including:
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Lettuce Spinach Kale Arugula Swiss chard Broccoli Cauliflower Peas |
Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Radishes Beets Turnips Celery Cucumber |
Bell peppers Eggplant Figs Green beans Asparagus Artichokes Kohlrabi Melons |