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Kentucky frost dates
Across the 11Kentucky weather stations below, the average last spring frost ranges from Mar 31 in Louisville to Apr 18 in Cincinnati Northern Ky. The statewide middle is about Apr 6 for the last spring frost and Oct 28 for the first fall frost. Louisville has the longest growing season, about 221 days. Hardiness zones in these places: 6b, 7a.
Frost dates by city
| Place | Zone | Last spring frost | 90% safe after | First fall frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 7a | Mar 31 | Apr 16 | Nov 7 | 221 |
| Louisville Bowman | 7a | Apr 3 | Apr 19 | Nov 3 | 214 |
| Bowling Green 21 Nne | 7a | Apr 4 | Apr 24 | Oct 31 | 210 |
| Bowling Green Warren | 7a | Apr 5 | Apr 21 | Oct 31 | 209 |
| Paducah | 7a | Apr 5 | Apr 21 | Oct 28 | 206 |
| Jackson | 7a | Apr 6 | Apr 25 | Nov 1 | 209 |
| Versailles 3 Nnw | 6b | Apr 12 | May 2 | Oct 28 | 199 |
| Lexington Bluegrass | 7a | Apr 13 | May 1 | Oct 28 | 198 |
| Frankfort Capital | 6b | Apr 15 | May 5 | Oct 24 | 192 |
| London Corbin | 7a | Apr 15 | May 3 | Oct 25 | 193 |
| Cincinnati Northern Ky | 6b | Apr 18 | May 7 | Oct 25 | 190 |
Dates are the 50% probability of a 32°F freeze (NOAA 1991–2020 normals); "90% safe after" is the date after which a later spring freeze happens in only 1 year in 10.
When to plant in Kentucky
Using the statewide middle dates (last frost Apr 6, first frost Oct 28). Adjust for your town with the table above or the planting calendar.
| Plant | When to plant in Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Peas | Feb 23 – Mar 16; fall: Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Green beans | Apr 13 – Apr 27; fall: Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Garlic | Oct 28 – Nov 25 |
| Tulips | Oct 14 – Nov 25 |