What to plant this week in Cincinnati, OH
With last frost typically hitting mid-April and nights dipping toward -5°F, Cincinnati gardeners are now in full swing for summer harvests while the threat of a late freeze is fading. This week focuses on reaping abundant yields from warm-weather crops like cucumbers, okra, and melons that thrive in our Ohio Valley heat.
The next 7 days
Cincinnati, OHGrowing in Cincinnati right now
- Protect early spring plantings with row covers if an unexpected cold snap occurs before April 21st, as sudden dips below -5°F can still damage tender seedlings.
- Our clay-heavy soil retains moisture well but drains poorly during heavy rains; add organic matter or use raised beds to prevent root rot in squash and beans.
- Take advantage of the long daylight hours by deadheading zinnias and cosmos now to encourage a second, vibrant bloom cycle through October.
- Monitor water levels closely as Cincinnati summers can be dry spells alternating with sudden thunderstorms that wash away fine topsoil.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
41 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and cucumbers every two weeks for continuous harvests through August.
- Mulch heavily around young transplants and newly planted garlic to retain moisture as daytime temperatures rise.
- Pinch back the tips of bush beans and zucchini plants once they reach 6 inches to encourage branching and heavier fruit production.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking pumpkin, zucchini, and summer squash stems; look for wilting leaves and frass at the base of the plant.
- Aphids often explode on new growth of beans and sunflowers during humid Cincinnati afternoons; inspect undersides of leaves daily.
- Powdery mildew is a major concern for cucumbers and melons in our high-humidity springs; ensure good air circulation between rows immediately.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Harvest zucchini and summer squash frequently when they are small (6 inches) to signal the plant to keep producing fruit.
Cincinnati gardening questions
3Can I still plant cool-season crops like kale or lettuce right now?
No, the soil has warmed significantly past April 21st, making it too hot for most cool-season seeds to establish without severe stress. Focus your energy on harvesting your current summer crop and planning fall plantings for after the first frost in late October.
Why is my basil struggling despite being listed as harvestable this week?
Cincinnati's high humidity often invites powdery mildew or spider mites, which can cause leaves to yellow and drop quickly. Prune any damaged stems immediately and consider spraying with a neem oil solution if infestation persists.
Is it safe to bring my dahlias out of storage now?
Yes, since the last average frost date is April 21st and we are well past that threshold, you can safely transplant your Dahlia tubers into sunny spots with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on overnight temperatures just in case a rare late freeze occurs before mid-May.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Cincinnati garden in SproutGuide →