What to plant this week in Columbus, OH
Columbus gardeners, the ground is officially frozen enough to plant your fall garlic cloves this week before the soil hardens completely. With average last frost dates stretching into late April and first frosts arriving by mid-October, you are in a critical window for establishing bulbs that will overwinter here.
The next 7 days
Columbus, OHGrowing in Columbus right now
- Pack the rich, loamy clay soils of Franklin County with extra organic matter to ensure garlic cloves get good contact before the freeze locks them in place.
- Water your new garlic planting lightly if the forecast shows dry spells leading up to the first hard freeze around October 24th to prevent bulb desiccation.
- Remember that while frost dates are averages, Columbus microclimates near river valleys may see early freezes, so protect young perennials until after April 21st.
- Do not attempt transplanting warm-season crops now; wait for the soil to thaw and temperatures to consistently rise above 50°F.
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Plant hardy garlic cloves immediately in well-drained soil with tips pointing upward.
- Prepare garden beds by loosening compacted soil to encourage healthy root development for next year's crops.
- Apply a layer of compost around existing perennials to protect emerging plants from late frosts.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for onion maggots as garlic is planted, as cool Ohio soils can still support early larval activity in established beds.
- Watch for late blight on remaining potato or tomato foliage if any winter crops were left standing before the first frost date of October 24th.
- Keep an eye out for voles gnawing at unmulched garlic stems during this dormant planting season.
Watering this week
Water garlic cloves lightly after planting, then wait until the soil is moist but not soggy before watering again.
Since Daikon radish will be ready soon, mark those spots now so you can plant a quick succession crop like lettuce once they are harvested.
Columbus gardening questions
3When is the best time to harvest my fall-planted garlic in Columbus?
Look for signs that your tops are drying and yellowing, which typically occurs about 6-8 weeks before the average first frost date of October 24th. Check a few bulbs by gently pulling them; if the skin papery and detaches easily, it is ready to cure in the shade.
Can I sow garlic now if there is still snow on the ground?
Yes, you can push cloves directly into frozen soil as long as they get covered with a few inches of mulch or straw once thawed. The goal is getting them in the ground before the average last frost date of April 21st next year so roots establish early.
How do I prepare my specific Columbus soil for this week's garlic planting?
Columbus soils often contain clay that drains poorly, so mix in compost or aged manure to improve texture and water infiltration. Avoid tilling deep right before planting; instead, loosen the top few inches gently to avoid compacting the root zone.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Columbus garden in SproutGuide →