State growing guide
Kentucky Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6b/7a · Last frost Apr 10 · First frost Oct 28 · 200 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Kentucky.
Frost Dates by City — Kentucky
Average frost dates for major Kentucky cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 6b | Apr 5 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Lexington | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Bowling Green | 7a | Mar 25 | Nov 10 | ~2 wks after (Mar 25) |
| Covington | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Kentucky Gardeners
- Louisville gardeners transplant tomatoes mid-to-late April
- Kentucky's clay soil benefits enormously from annual compost additions
- Fall garden: plant kale, collards, and turnips in late July–August
Common Challenges in Kentucky
- ⚠ Heavy clay soil throughout the Bluegrass region
- ⚠ High summer humidity causes tomato blight and powdery mildew
Best Crops for Kentucky
Tomatoes Peppers Beans Sweet Corn Cucumbers Squash Tobacco Blackberries Pawpaws
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Kentucky
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky Gardening
What zone is Kentucky?
Kentucky spans Zones 6a (northeast mountains) to 7a (western lowlands). Louisville is Zone 6b, Lexington is Zone 6a, and Bowling Green is Zone 7a.