Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ When to plant · Kentucky · Checked Sept 2026

When to plant vegetables in Kentucky

In Louisville, tender crops like tomatoes and peppers can go out around April 21, and frost has historically passed 9 years in 10 by May 5. Cool-season crops go in from February, and again from November for fall.

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§ 010 · Frost dates

Frost dates across Kentucky

Based on NOAA's 1991–2020 station records, with adjustments for tender crops.

City · NOAA stationLast frost, on averagePlant tender crops fromFrost is over, 9 of 10 years byFall frost possible from
AshlandASHLAND · 3 kmApr 22May 5May 5May 18Oct 11
Bowling GreenBOWLING GREEN WARREN COUNTY AIRPORT · 1 kmApr 5Apr 20April 20May 4Oct 20
CovingtonCINCINNATI LUNKEN AIRPORT · 12 kmApr 16Apr 30April 30May 14Oct 12
ElizabethtownELIZABETHTOWN WP CS · 3 kmApr 16Apr 30April 30May 13Oct 13
ErlangerCINCINNATI NORTHERN KY AIRPORT · 6 kmApr 18May 3May 3May 17Oct 12
FlorenceCINCINNATI NORTHERN KY AIRPORT · 6 kmApr 18May 3May 3May 17Oct 12
FrankfortFRANKFORT CAPITAL CITY AIRPORT · 3 kmApr 15Apr 29April 29May 13Oct 13
GeorgetownCYNTHIANA · 24 kmApr 18May 2May 2May 15Oct 13
HendersonHENDERSON STATE POLICE · 5 kmApr 9Apr 21April 21May 3Oct 12
HopkinsvilleHOPKINSVILLE · 4 kmApr 4Apr 18April 18May 1Oct 20
IndependenceCINCINNATI NORTHERN KY AIRPORT · 14 kmApr 18May 3May 3May 17Oct 12
JeffersontownLOUISVILLE BOWMAN FIELD · 9 kmApr 3Apr 18April 18May 3Oct 21
LexingtonLEXINGTON BLUEGRASS AIRPORT · 13 kmApr 13Apr 27April 27May 11Oct 16
LouisvilleLOUISVILLE WFO · 6 kmApr 6Apr 21April 21May 5Oct 21
NicholasvilleDIX DAM · 17 kmApr 7Apr 24April 24May 10Oct 20
OwensboroCALHOUN LOCK 2 · 28 kmApr 2Apr 16April 16Apr 30Oct 19
PaducahBROOKPORT DAM 52 · 6 kmApr 6Apr 20April 20May 4Oct 15
RadcliffELIZABETHTOWN WP CS · 16 kmApr 16Apr 30April 30May 13Oct 13
RichmondEASTERN KENTUCKY UNIV · 4 kmApr 15Apr 27April 27May 8Oct 10
WinchesterMT STERLING · 23 kmApr 24May 8May 8May 21Oct 6

Kentucky's 20 largest cities (U.S. Census Bureau 2025 estimates), A to Z, each with its nearest NOAA station and the distance to it. Search any town to get its nearest station. "Plant tender crops from" is halfway between the average last frost and the date frost is over 9 years in 10; if frost is in the forecast after it, wait until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

§ 020 · What to plant

What to plant in Kentucky, and when

Planting windows from Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service. Filter by season or crop group; every view has its own link.

Region
Season
Crops

Link to this view getezina.com/when-to-plant/kentucky/

  • Dark green: fall planting window
  • Light green: spring and summer planting window
  • TenderKilled by frost: spring planting from the "plant tender crops from" date for your city

§ 030 · Crop by crop

Planting in Kentucky

Each crop has its own link, like #tomatoes. Tender crops wait for the frost dates above; succession crops are sown again every few weeks for a steady harvest.

  • Dark green: fall planting window
  • Light green: spring and summer planting window

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

Perennial
Asparagus
Photo by Evelyn Simak / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Beets

Beta vulgaris

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Beets
Photo by W.carter / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.

Ready in about 58 days; sow again every 6 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Broccoli

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Broccoli
Photo by Kolforn / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: set out transplants Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 95 days from seed, 65 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Brussels sprouts

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Brussels sprouts
Photo by Nick Saltmarsh / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: set out transplants Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 130 days from seed, 100 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Cabbage

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Cabbage
Photo by Biswarup Ganguly / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 110 days from seed, 80 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo

Tender
Cantaloupe
Photo by Seth Vidal / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 80 days from seed, 70 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Carrots

Daucus carota

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Carrots
Photo by Evan-Amos / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 70 days; sow again every 7 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Cauliflower
Photo by Coyau / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: set out transplants Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 95 days from seed, 68 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Celery

Apium graveolens

Cool season
Celery
Photo by Lombroso / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jun.

Ready in about 90 days from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Collards

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Collards
Photo by شارق کشمیری / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.

Ready in about 65 days from seed, 55 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Cucumbers

Cucumis sativus

TenderSuccession sow
Cucumbers
Photo by Stephen Ausmus, USDA ARS / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 58 days from seed, 50 from transplants; sow again every 7 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Eggplant

Solanum melongena

Tender
Eggplant
Photo by Billjones94 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jul.
Central Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jun.
Eastern Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jun.

Ready in about 75 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Garlic

Allium sativum

Cool seasonOverwinters
Garlic
Photo by Billjones94 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Nov.
Central Kentucky: plant Nov.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Nov.

Ready in about 240 days.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Green beans

Phaseolus vulgaris

TenderSuccession sow
Green beans
Photo by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jul.

Ready in about 55 days; sow again every 5 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Kale

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Kale
Photo by Rasbak / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 60 days from seed, 45 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea

Cool season
Kohlrabi
Photo by Unknown author / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.

Ready in about 55 days from seed, 45 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Lettuce
Photo by Geo Lightspeed7 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Sep; set out transplants Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug; set out transplants Mar–Jul, and again Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Aug; set out transplants Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 45 days from seed, 30 from transplants; sow again every 6 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Lima beans

Phaseolus lunatus

Tender
Lima beans
Photo by Jud McCranie / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jun.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 75 days. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

Tender
Okra
Photo by Pedro Acevedo-Rodriguez / CC0 / Smithsonian Open Access / via USDA PLANTS

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jul.

Ready in about 55 days from seed, 45 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Onions

Allium cepa

Cool season
Onions
Photo by Stephen Ausmus, USDA ARS / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: sow Mar–Jul; plant Mar; set out transplants Mar–Jul.
Central Kentucky: sow Mar–Jun; plant Mar; set out transplants Mar–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar; sow Apr–Jun; set out transplants Apr–Jun.

Ready in about 110 days from seed, 95 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Cool season
Parsley
Photo by H. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.

Ready in about 78 days from seed, 50 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Parsnips

Pastinaca sativa

Cool season
Parsnips
Photo by Jeffery Martin / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Jun.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jun.

Ready in about 120 days.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Peas

Pisum sativum

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Peas
Photo by David Adam Kess / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Feb, and again Feb–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar, and again Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar, and again Mar–Jul.

Ready in about 65 days; sow again every 5 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Peppers

Capsicum annuum

Tender
Peppers
Photo by Kham Tran - www.khamtran.com / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jul.
Central Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jun.

Ready in about 70 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Potatoes

Solanum tuberosum

Cool season
Potatoes
Photo by Howard, R.A / Public domain / Smithsonian Institution, Richard A. Howard Photograph Collection / via USDA PLANTS

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Jun.

Ready in about 100 days.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Pumpkins

Cucurbita pepo

Tender
Pumpkins
Photo by HalfGig / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jun.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 110 days from seed, 95 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Radishes

Raphanus sativus

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Radishes
Photo by Rasbak / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Oct.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Sep.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Sep.

Ready in about 28 days; sow again every 3 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum

Perennial
Rhubarb
Photo by DeFacto / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Rutabagas

Brassica napus

Cool season
Rutabagas
Photo by Seedambassadors / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.

Ready in about 95 days.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Southern peas

Vigna unguiculata

Tender
Southern peas
Photo by Jud McCranie / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 65 days. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Spinach

Spinacia oleracea

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Spinach
Photo by Victor M. Vicente Selvas / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Feb–Sep.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Sep.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.

Ready in about 42 days; sow again every 5 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Summer squash

Cucurbita pepo

TenderSuccession sow
Summer squash
Photo by INRA DIST from France / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jul.

Ready in about 50 days from seed, 40 from transplants; sow again every 7 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Sweet corn

Zea mays

TenderSuccession sow
Sweet corn
Photo by Royalbroil / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 78 days; sow again every 6 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Sweet potatoes

Ipomoea batatas

Tender
Sweet potatoes
Photo by Howard, R.A / Public domain / Smithsonian Institution, Richard A. Howard Photograph Collection / via USDA PLANTS

Western Kentucky: plant May–Jun.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jun.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 100 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Swiss chard

Beta vulgaris

Cool season
Swiss chard
Photo by Neelix / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Apr–Jun.

Ready in about 55 days from seed, 40 from transplants.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Tomatoes

Solanum lycopersicum

Tender
Tomatoes
Photo by Michal Klajban / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: set out transplants Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jun.
Eastern Kentucky: set out transplants May–Jun.

Ready in about 75 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Turnips

Brassica rapa

Cool seasonSuccession sow
Turnips
Photo by thebittenword.com / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Central Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.
Eastern Kentucky: plant Mar–Aug.

Ready in about 50 days; sow again every 5 weeks.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

Tender
Watermelon
Photo by F ASTILY / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 85 days from seed, 75 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

Winter squash

Cucurbita moschata

Tender
Winter squash
Photo by Howard, R.A / Public domain / Smithsonian Institution, Richard A. Howard Photograph Collection / via USDA PLANTS

Western Kentucky: plant Apr–Jul.
Central Kentucky: plant May–Jul.
Eastern Kentucky: plant May–Jun.

Ready in about 95 days from seed, 80 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.

Source: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution), Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky". Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about planting in Kentucky

When is the last frost in Kentucky?

On average from about April 2 in Owensboro to April 24 in Winchester. Frost is over 9 years in 10 by April 30 to May 21.

When can I plant tomatoes in Kentucky?

The extension service lists April to July. Tomatoes are frost-tender, so Ezina dates them from about April 21 in Louisville. If frost is in the forecast, wait until it passes.

What can I plant in Kentucky in October?

The extension calendar lists radishes for October.

Is it too late for a fall garden?

The latest fall windows on the calendar close in November. Filter by Fall above to see what is still open.

Why not use my USDA zone?

A zone is the coldest winter night, not a frost date. These dates come from NOAA station records and the extension service.

Can Ezina date plantings for my address?

Yes. Run Ezina Dig on your address and your bed plans are dated from that site's own frost records, on iPhone and Android in the contiguous U.S.

Changes

29 Sept 2026: page published.

Sources

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (land-grant institution): Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (Chapter 20), Table 20.15 "Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky" and Table 20.14 "Vegetable gardener's calendar with planting dates for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky".

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station freeze probabilities. U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates and 2020 place gazetteer. Days to harvest and re-sowing intervals: Ezina's crop catalog, compiled from state Cooperative Extension guides. Photos: Wikimedia Commons and USDA PLANTS, credited under each photo. Checked Sept 2026.