What to plant this week in Columbus, OH
Columbus gardeners are in the final stretch of late summer, with frosts not expected until October 24. This week is critical for harvesting your summer squashes and melons before temperatures dip toward that -5°F minimum. Focus on pulling up cold-sensitive crops like basil and zinnia to keep them thriving indoors.
The next 7 days
Columbus, OHGrowing in Columbus right now
- Soil in Columbus often stays warm into late fall, making it an ideal window for planting garlic cloves now before the ground freezes.
- The city's flat terrain and clay-loam soil can hold moisture longer than surrounding counties; check drainage carefully when transplanting edamame or okra later this week.
- Expect a shift from afternoon thunderstorms to crisp, dry mornings as we approach the avg last frost date of April 21 next year, signaling it's time to start planning your spring sow list.
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
- Spider mites are likely feeding on stressed zucchini and cucumber leaves in Columbus's heat waves.
- Watch for cutworms attacking young sweet corn and bean seedlings as night temperatures cool down.
- Late-season powdery mildew may appear on okra and squash if humidity remains high during the day.
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.
Columbus gardening questions
3Can I still plant garlic in Columbus this week?
Yes, Columbus soil is usually workable enough for planting hardneck garlic varieties right now. Aim to get them in before the ground freezes solid to ensure strong root establishment next spring.
When should I harvest my cantaloupe and honeydew melons?
Check your melons this week; they are ready when the stem slips easily from the vine and the rind sounds hollow when tapped. Bring them inside immediately after picking to prevent chilling injury before the first frost.
Are there any cold-hardy crops I can extend into October?
Garlic, winter squash, and root crops like beets or carrots (if sown early) are your best bets for extending the season past October 24. Mulch heavily around these plants to protect them from sudden temperature drops.
Other cities in zone 6b
12See the full zone 6b guide → · Plan your Columbus garden in SproutGuide →