Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Etna, OH
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
191 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Etna, OH, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 191-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 4 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 16 | Apr 29 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 5 | Mar 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 26 | Mar 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 10 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 24°F | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
| 20°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 16°F | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 16 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 27 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Columbus Port Columbus Intl Ap, Oh, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 810 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Etna, OH?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Etna, OH is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Etna, OH typically arrives about Oct 27. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 18 on average, or Apr 4 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 191 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 43018 Planting calendar → Ohio frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026