Frost Dates for Cleveland, OH 44130

Last spring frost April 30 · First fall frost October 20 · 173 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b

Frost probability for 44130

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 16April 30April 18
Fall (first frost)October 6October 20November 3

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (6.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Cleveland, OH

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
44130April 30October 206b
44111April 30October 207a
44118April 30October 236b
44102April 30October 237a
44124April 28October 196a
44109April 30October 237a
44134April 30October 236b
44120April 21October 286b
44121April 30October 236b
44105April 30October 236b
44125April 30October 236b
44129April 30October 236b
44135April 30October 206b
44128April 30October 236b
44106April 30October 236b
44143April 30October 236b
44144April 30October 236b
44113April 30October 237a
44108April 30October 237a
44104April 21October 286b
44112April 30October 236b
44110April 30October 237a
44126April 30October 207a
44103April 30October 237a
44119April 30October 237a
44115April 30October 237a
44114April 30October 237a
44127April 30October 237a
44101April 30October 237a

Month by month in Cleveland

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 30). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 30. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 20). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 20. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 173-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Cleveland, OH (ZIP 44130)?

The median last spring frost date for Cleveland, OH (ZIP code 44130) is around April 30. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Cleveland, OH?

The median first fall frost date for Cleveland, OH is around October 20. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Cleveland, OH?

The frost-free growing season in Cleveland is about 173 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Cleveland, OH?

Based on frost date patterns, Cleveland falls approximately in 6b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Cleveland, OH?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 30). For Cleveland, that's roughly March 5 to March 19. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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