When to plant Shallot in Ohio County, IN
Aim to plant Shallot in Ohio County on or after April 3; the window stays open through April 24. Ohio County's 185-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Ohio County, IN
Top priorities for Ohio County, Indiana gardeners in June
Your garden in Ohio County, Indiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: shallot
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Ohio County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 882 feet, Ohio County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Ohio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Shallot Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ohio County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ohio County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Shallot will thrive.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Shallot Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ohio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Ohio County, IN
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Ohio County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Ohio County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 17 in Ohio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Ohio County, IN?
Ohio County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ohio County, IN?
Ohio County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Shallot in Ohio County, IN?
In Ohio County, IN, plant Shallot after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ohio County, IN for Shallot?
Ohio County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Ohio County's climate?
Yes — Shallot grows well in Ohio County's temperate climate. Ohio County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 19.
Your Ohio County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ohio County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.