Planting calendar for Columbus, Georgia

Dates from 30 years of records at the Columbus Metro Airport weather station, 4.6 miles from Columbus, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Columbus at a glance

Weather station: Columbus Metro Airport · 4.6 mi
USDA zone: 8b
Last spring frost: typically Mar 5; 1 year in 10 after Mar 24
First fall frost: typically Nov 23; 1 year in 10 before Nov 7
Frost-free season: about 263 days
Hottest month: July: highs 93°F, nights 74°F
Coldest month: January: highs 59°F, nights 38°F
Rain: 49 in. a year, most in March, August and December

What shapes the seasons here

The last spring frost in Columbus typically comes around Mar 5, but 1 year in 10 it comes after Mar 24. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 23. That leaves about 263 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Summer nights average 74°F in July. Above about 75°F, tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit, so the best tomato planting here is Mar 19–Apr 2, Jul 27–Aug 16, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

Columbus gets about 49 inches of rain a year, most of it in March, August and December.

163 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 11 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

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Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

Best Can plant Start indoors

Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard

The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Columbus, month by month

January36

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Fava bean, Leek, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Salsify, Blueberry, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Snapdragon, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Cauliflower, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (early / short-season), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

February42

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Pea (shelling / English), Potato, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Catnip, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig, Strawberry

Flowers: Calendula, Stock, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Daikon radish, Kale, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Parsley, Muscadine grape, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Garlic chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Shiso (perilla), Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Milkweed (native)

March61

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Celery, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Watercress, Winter squash

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Catnip, Chives, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Muscadine grape

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon verbena, Parsley, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Strawberry, Annual salvia, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Malabar spinach, Roselle, Basil, Celosia, Marigold

April16

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Edamame, Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Basil, Lemon verbena, Papalo, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Marigold

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Cuban oregano, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Garlic chives, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Shiso (perilla), Stevia, Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celery, Ginger, Roselle, Sweet potato, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

May20

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Ginger, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pigeon pea, Roselle, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Winged bean, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Culantro, Lemongrass, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Flowers: Annual salvia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bitter melon, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Purslane, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celery, Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

June13

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Ginger, Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Lemongrass

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Watermelon, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Eggplant, Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice

July24

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Yardlong bean, Basil, Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Basil, Parsley, Marigold, Strawflower

August39

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Celeriac (celery root), Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Epazote

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Beet, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Kale, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Salsify, Shallot, Swiss chard, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Calendula, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

September16

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (bush snap), Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Onion (bulbing), Purslane, Shallot, Swiss chard

Herbs: Borage, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Flowers: Annual salvia, Marigold, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Spinach, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

October49

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Fava bean, Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Mache (corn salad), Pansy / viola

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

November50

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Fava bean, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Stock

December47

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fava bean, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Celeriac (celery root)

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Lettuce (romaine & head), Lavender, Rosemary, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Stock

Every crop that grows in Columbus

163 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.

Vegetables

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Amaranth greens / callaloo	Apr 9–23, Sep 5–25	Apr 24–Sep 4	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 4–24	Apr 3–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Feb 19–Mar 5	—	Dec 18–Jan 1	Set out plants
Arugula	Jan 18–Feb 25, Oct 7–Dec 21	Feb 26–Apr 12, Aug 26–Oct 6, Dec 22–Jan 17	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Feb 5–Mar 5	Mar 6–Apr 2	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 18–Sep 8	Apr 3–May 3, Jul 14–Aug 17	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Jul 14–Aug 4	Apr 3–9, Jun 17–Jul 13	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	Apr 9–23, Jul 20–Aug 9	Apr 24–May 10, Jun 1–Jul 19	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 8–29	Apr 3–22, Jun 30–Aug 7	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Jan 15–Feb 12, Oct 3–Dec 24	Feb 13–Mar 30, Aug 19–Oct 2, Dec 25–Jan 14	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 6–27	Apr 3–May 18, Jun 10–Aug 5	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Feb 19–Mar 4	Mar 5–17	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Aug 17	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Jan 12–27, Oct 11–Dec 28	Jan 28–Mar 13, Sep 6–Oct 10, Dec 29–Jan 11	Aug 30–Nov 16, Dec 1–16	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Jan 15–Feb 9, Oct 12–Dec 25	Feb 10–Mar 26, Sep 6–Oct 11, Dec 26–Jan 14	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Oct 11–Dec 29	Sep 6–Oct 10, Dec 30–Feb 12	Aug 30–Nov 17	Set out plants
Cabbage	Oct 12–Jan 20	Jan 21–Mar 14, Aug 26–Oct 11	Aug 31–Dec 9	Set out plants
Cardoon	Sep 15–Dec 9	Aug 19–Sep 14, Dec 10–Feb 5	Jul 14–Oct 7	Set out plants
Carrot	Jan 13–Feb 5, Oct 3–Dec 26	Feb 6–Mar 23, Aug 19–Oct 2, Dec 27–Jan 12	—	Sow seeds
Cauliflower	Feb 12–26	Feb 27–Mar 17	Jan 1–15	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Aug 14–Nov 26	Jan 23–Mar 4, Jun 4–Aug 13, Nov 27–Dec 13	May 29–Sep 10	Set out plants
Celery	Feb 23–Mar 9, Jul 6–27	Mar 10–14, Jun 17–Jul 5	Apr 20–May 11, Dec 8–22	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Feb 12–26	Feb 27–Mar 5	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Jan 15–Feb 12, Sep 30–Dec 25	Feb 13–Mar 30, Aug 11–Sep 29, Dec 26–Jan 14	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Sep 27–Feb 9	Feb 10–Apr 4, Jul 7–Sep 26	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 11–Sep 1	Apr 3–May 2, Jul 12–Aug 10	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 9–29	Apr 3–27, Jul 6–Aug 8	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Jan 10–25, Oct 17–Dec 29	Jan 26–Mar 11, Sep 14–Oct 16, Dec 30–Jan 9	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	Apr 9–23, Jul 22–Aug 11	Apr 24–May 8, Jun 2–Jul 21	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	Apr 9–23, Jul 25–Aug 14	Apr 24–Jul 24	Feb 5–19, May 23–Jun 12	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Oct 24–Dec 23	Sep 29–Oct 23, Dec 24–Jan 27	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Feb 19–Mar 2	—	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Feb 19–Mar 27, Oct 3–20	Mar 28–Apr 27, Sep 9–Oct 2	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Ginger	May 24–Jun 21	Apr 26–May 23	Apr 5–May 3	Set out plants
Green onion / scallion	Feb 5–Mar 5	Mar 6–Apr 2	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Oct 12–Jan 31	Feb 1–Mar 30, Aug 19–Oct 11	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Jan 16–Feb 17, Oct 6–Dec 22	Feb 18–Apr 4, Aug 26–Oct 5, Dec 23–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Jan 17–Feb 24, Sep 30–Dec 22	Feb 25–Apr 12, Aug 11–Sep 29, Dec 23–Jan 16	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Oct 2–Jan 2	Jan 3–Feb 19, Aug 19–Oct 1	Jul 31–Oct 31	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Jan 16–Feb 18, Oct 6–Dec 22	Feb 19–Apr 5, Aug 26–Oct 5, Dec 23–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Jan 13–Feb 1, Oct 12–Dec 27	Feb 2–Mar 17, Sep 6–Oct 11, Dec 28–Jan 12	Sep 7–Nov 22, Dec 9–28	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jul 13	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Oct 28–Jan 14	Jan 15–Mar 1, Sep 26–Oct 27	—	Sow seeds
Malabar spinach	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jun 21	Mar 8–22	Set out plants
Moringa	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jun 21	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Jan 16–Feb 14, Oct 12–Dec 24	Feb 15–Apr 1, Sep 6–Oct 11, Dec 25–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Jan 23–Feb 17, Sep 27–Dec 13	Feb 18–Mar 21, Aug 26–Sep 26, Dec 14–Jan 22	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 11–31	Apr 3–Aug 10	—	Sow seeds
Okinawa spinach	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jun 21	—	Set out plants
Okra	Apr 26–May 10, Aug 9–29	May 11–Aug 8	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 13–Feb 8	Feb 9–Mar 30, Jun 6–Sep 12	Jun 28–Nov 23	Set out plants
Parsnip	Oct 2–Dec 31	Aug 19–Oct 1, Jan 1–Feb 16	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Jan 18–Feb 7, Oct 7–Dec 21	Feb 8–Mar 17, Sep 6–Oct 6, Dec 22–Jan 17	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Jan 17–Feb 5, Oct 7–Dec 21	Feb 6–Mar 16, Sep 6–Oct 6, Dec 22–Jan 16	—	Sow seeds
Peanut	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jun 18	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Mar 28–Apr 11, Jul 17–Aug 7	Apr 12–Jul 16	Jan 24–Feb 7, May 15–Jun 5	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Jul 27–Aug 17	Apr 3–May 13, May 31–Jul 26	Jan 15–29, May 25–Jun 15	Set out plants
Pigeon pea	May 15–Jun 4	Apr 26–May 14, Jun 5	—	Sow seeds
Popcorn	Mar 19–26	Mar 27–Jul 22	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Feb 5–Mar 11	Mar 12–22, Jun 27–Aug 6	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Mar 19–30, Jun 22–Jul 13	Jun 6–21	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	Apr 9–23, Aug 17–Sep 7	Apr 24–Aug 16	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Feb 5–22	—	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Jan 20–Mar 9, Oct 13–Dec 17	Mar 10–Apr 24, Sep 7–Oct 12, Dec 18–Jan 19	—	Sow seeds
Rhubarb	Feb 5–19	Feb 20–Mar 5	—	Set out plants
Roselle	Apr 26–May 14	—	Mar 22–Apr 9	Set out plants
Rutabaga	Oct 19–Dec 26	Sep 20–Oct 18, Dec 27–Feb 3	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Sep 27–Dec 23	May 30–Jun 6, Aug 19–Sep 26, Dec 24–Feb 2	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Apr 26–May 10, Jun 20–Jul 10	May 11–Jun 19	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 19–Feb 2	Feb 3–Mar 17, Jun 18–Sep 18	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Apr 26–May 10, Jul 22–Aug 12	May 11–Jul 21	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Oct 24–Jan 26	Jan 27–Mar 21, Sep 14–Oct 23	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 14–Sep 3	Apr 3–30, Jul 10–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Feb 18–Mar 11	Feb 12–17, Mar 12–26	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Mar 19–26, Jul 27–Aug 16	Mar 27–Jul 26	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	May 29–Jul 7	Apr 26–May 28, Jul 8–13	Apr 10–May 19	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Jan 15–Mar 5, Sep 18–Dec 24	Mar 6–Apr 29, Jul 8–Sep 17, Dec 25–Jan 14	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Mar 19–Apr 2	Apr 3–May 9	Feb 5–19	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 11–31	Apr 3–May 17, Jun 8–Aug 10	Jan 29–Feb 12, Jun 23–Jul 13	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Mar 12–19, Aug 16–Sep 5	Mar 20–May 20, Jun 14–Aug 15	Jan 22–29, Jun 28–Jul 18	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	Apr 9–23, Jul 29–Aug 19	Apr 24–Jul 28	Feb 19–Mar 5, Jun 10–Jul 1	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Jul 29–Aug 19	Apr 3–17, Jun 26–Jul 28	Jan 29–Feb 12, Jun 10–Jul 1	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Mar 19–Apr 2, Jul 27–Aug 16	Apr 3–13, Jun 20–Jul 26	Jan 29–Feb 12, Jun 8–28	Set out plants
Turnip	Jan 16–Feb 17, Oct 6–Dec 22	Feb 18–Apr 4, Aug 26–Oct 5, Dec 23–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Feb 12–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 9	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jul 13	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	Apr 9–23, Jun 22–Jul 13	Apr 24–Jun 21	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Mar 19–Apr 2, Jul 2–23	Apr 3–6, Jun 14–Jul 1	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Apr 26–May 10, Jul 27–Aug 17	May 11–Jul 26	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Jan 19–Feb 16	Set out plants
Basil	Apr 9–16, Aug 9–29	Apr 17–Aug 8	Mar 5–12, Jul 5–25	Set out plants
Bay laurel	Mar 12–Apr 5	Apr 6–30	—	Set out plants
Bee balm (bergamot)	Mar 5–23	Mar 24–Apr 11	Jan 15–Feb 2	Set out plants
Borage	Feb 26–Mar 28, Aug 24–Sep 15	Mar 29–Apr 15, Jul 20–Aug 23	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Jan 12–26, Oct 2–Dec 28	Jan 27–Mar 12, Aug 19–Oct 1, Dec 29–Jan 11	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Feb 19–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 2	Jan 1–22	Set out plants
Chamomile	Jan 14–Feb 6, Oct 3–Dec 26	Feb 7–Mar 24, Aug 19–Oct 2, Dec 27–Jan 13	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Jan 16–Feb 6, Oct 13–Dec 22	Feb 7–Mar 17, Sep 14–Oct 12, Dec 23–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Mar 5–22	Mar 23–Apr 9	Jan 15–Feb 1	Set out plants
Cilantro	Jan 18–Feb 10, Oct 7–Dec 19	Feb 11–Mar 20, Sep 6–Oct 6, Dec 20–Jan 17	—	Sow seeds
Cuban oregano	May 6–Jun 3	Apr 9–May 5, Jun 4	—	Set out plants
Culantro	Apr 26–May 10	May 11–Jun 21	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Feb 19–26, Aug 30–Sep 20	Feb 27–Apr 6, Aug 19–29	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Mar 19–Apr 2, Aug 23–Sep 13	Apr 3–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Mar 5–27, Sep 13–Oct 2	Mar 28–Apr 16, Aug 21–Sep 12	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Feb 26–Mar 13	Mar 14–28	Jan 8–23	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Jan 15–Feb 12	Set out plants
Lavender	Mar 12–Apr 1	Apr 2–21	Dec 25–Jan 14	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Feb 19–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 2	Jan 15–Feb 5	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	Mar 29–Apr 22	Mar 12–28, Apr 23–30	—	Set out plants
Lemongrass	May 24–Jun 21	Apr 26–May 23	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Feb 19–Mar 10	—	Jan 1–20	Set out plants
Marjoram	Mar 12–Apr 5	Apr 6–30	Jan 22–Feb 15	Set out plants
Mint	Feb 19–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 2	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Jan 15–Feb 12	Set out plants
Papalo	Apr 9–23	Apr 24–Aug 19	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Sep 23–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 28, Jun 29–Sep 22	Jul 22–Dec 5	Set out plants
Rosemary	Mar 12–Apr 5	Apr 6–30	Dec 25–Jan 18	Set out plants
Sage	Feb 26–Mar 19	Mar 20–Apr 9	Jan 8–29	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Mar 19–26	Mar 27–Aug 26	Feb 12–19	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Feb 12–Mar 11	Mar 12–Apr 8	—	Sow seeds
Stevia	May 14–28	Apr 9–May 13	—	Set out plants
Summer savory	Mar 5–19	Mar 20–Apr 22	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Mar 5–18	Mar 19–Apr 1	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Jan 8–Feb 5	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	Apr 16–May 14	Mar 19–Apr 15	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Jan 15–Feb 12	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Feb 7–Mar 10	Jan 29–Feb 6, Mar 11–Apr 2	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Feb 1–Mar 11	Jan 8–31, Mar 12–26	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Apr 9–23, Jul 15–Aug 4	Apr 24–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Mar 19–Apr 2	Apr 3–Aug 19	Feb 12–26	Set out plants
Fig	Feb 12–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 23	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Mar 19–Apr 2	Apr 3–May 13	Jan 29–Feb 12	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Feb 24–Mar 17	Feb 12–23, Mar 18–26	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Feb 5–Mar 4	Mar 5–Apr 1	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Apr 9–23, Jul 12–Aug 2	Apr 24–Jul 11	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Apr 21–May 13, Jul 4–Sep 8	Mar 19–Apr 20, May 14–Jul 3, Sep 9–13	Feb 10–Mar 4, Apr 25–Jun 30	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Jan 11–24, Oct 11–Dec 28	Jan 25–Mar 9, Sep 6–Oct 10, Dec 29–Jan 10	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Mar 13–Apr 3, Jun 17–Aug 16	Mar 5–12, Apr 4–Jun 16	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Jan 16–Feb 15, Oct 3–Dec 24	Feb 16–Apr 2, Aug 19–Oct 2, Dec 25–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Jan 11–24, Oct 11–Dec 28	Jan 25–Mar 9, Sep 6–Oct 10, Dec 29–Jan 10	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	Apr 26–May 3, Jul 17–Aug 7	May 4–Jul 16	Mar 8–15, May 29–Jun 19	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	Jun 4–Aug 13	Mar 19–Jun 3, Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Sep 29–Dec 30	Aug 11–Sep 28, Dec 31–Mar 10	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	Jun 10–Aug 15	Apr 9–Jun 9, Aug 16–24	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	Jun 4–Aug 7	Apr 9–Jun 3, Aug 8–24	Apr 16–Jun 19	Set out plants
Larkspur	Oct 16–Dec 30	Sep 14–Oct 15, Dec 31–Feb 12	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	Apr 17–May 4, Jul 2–Sep 8	Mar 19–Apr 16, May 5–Jul 1	Feb 27–Mar 16, May 14–Jul 21	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Jan 29–Feb 26	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Mar 7–23	Mar 5–6, Mar 24–Apr 3, Aug 19–Sep 13	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Oct 27–Jan 23	Jan 24–Mar 16, Sep 20–Oct 26	Aug 11–Nov 7	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	May 31–Jun 15, Jun 27–Aug 20	Apr 26–May 30, Jun 16–26, Aug 21–Sep 14	Mar 29–Apr 13, Apr 25–Jun 18	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Mar 5–Apr 2	Apr 3–30	Dec 18–Jan 15	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Oct 16–Dec 30	Sep 14–Oct 15, Dec 31–Feb 11	Aug 14–Oct 28	Set out plants
Statice	Mar 5–19, Aug 15–Sep 5	Mar 20–Apr 8, Jul 12–Aug 14	Jun 13–Jul 4, Jan 1–15	Set out plants
Stock	Jan 21–Feb 13, Oct 8–Dec 15	Feb 14–Mar 17, Sep 14–Oct 7, Dec 16–Jan 20	Aug 6–Oct 13, Nov 19–Dec 12	Set out plants
Strawflower	Mar 5–19, Aug 23–Sep 12	Mar 20–Apr 14, Jul 19–Aug 22	Jan 15–29, Jul 5–25	Set out plants
Sunflower	Jun 7–Aug 9	Mar 19–Jun 6	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Jan 16–Feb 16, Oct 3–Dec 23	Feb 17–Apr 3, Aug 19–Oct 2, Dec 24–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Oct 11–Dec 27	Sep 14–Oct 10, Dec 28–Feb 19	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Jun 13–Aug 15	Apr 9–Jun 12, Aug 16–26	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Columbus

These need a climate Columbus doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.

Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 38°F.
Cassava (yuca): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 38°F.
Chaya (tree spinach): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 38°F.
Endive & escarole: The frost-free season (about 263 days) is shorter than the 85 days it needs.
Grape (bunch): Pierce's disease kills bunch grapes where winters are mild and summers wet. Grow muscadines instead.
Jicama: The frost-free season (about 263 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 38°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 38°F.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 38°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 38°F.
Taro (dasheen): The frost-free season (about 263 days) is shorter than the 225 days it needs.

Nearby planting calendars

Montgomery, AL 77 mi · last frost around Mar 13
Macon, GA 83 mi · last frost around Mar 21
Atlanta, GA 96 mi · last frost around Mar 24
Tallahassee, FL 146 mi · last frost around Mar 11
Huntsville, AL 182 mi · last frost around Mar 24
All Georgia cities

How these dates are worked out

Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Columbus Metro Airport station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.

Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).