Kettering, OH planting zone & frost dates
Kettering is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 18 and the first fall frost around October 25, for a growing season of about 189 days.
Planting calendar for Kettering
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 18) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 30 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 25).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 3 | Apr 18 | May 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 25 | Oct 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 6.
Nearby cities
- Centerville zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Dayton zone 6b, last frost Apr 18
- West Carrollton City zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Riverside zone 6b, last frost Apr 18
- Beavercreek zone 6b, last frost Apr 18
- Miamisburg zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Shiloh zone 6b, last frost Apr 18
- Springboro zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
Questions
What growing zone is Kettering, OH?
Kettering is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Kettering?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Kettering is April 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Kettering?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 25 – May 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Dayton Mcd, OH (USC00332067), 8.4 km (5.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 220 m, based on 28 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.