Kentucky Planting Zones

Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky's rich agricultural heritage extends far beyond its famous horse farms and bourbon distilleries.

Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, Kentucky's varied terrain creates distinct microclimates that support everything from traditional tobacco fields to emerging wine-grape vineyards.

The state spans four planting zones—6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b—offering gardeners a unique blend of northern and southern growing conditions.

In this article, you will learn:

Kentucky's position along the thermal transition zone, where cool-season and warm-season plants meet, makes it an exceptionally interesting state for gardening enthusiasts.

From the cool hollows of Eastern Kentucky to the warmer river valleys of the west, gardeners can experiment with a wide range of crops traditionally associated with northern and southern states.

Kentucky

Image from USDA

Characteristics of Kentucky’s Planting Region

Kentucky's climate is classified as humid continental in the north, transitioning to humid subtropical in the south, creating diverse growing conditions across the state. 

The region experiences four distinct seasons, with significant yearly temperature variations.

As a Kentucky gardener, you can expect:

  • Warm summers with July temperatures averaging 75°F to 87°F (23.9°C to 30.6°C)
  • Moderately cold winters, with January averages ranging from 23°F to 33°F (-5°C to 0.6°C)
  • Average annual rainfall of 45-50 inches, fairly evenly distributed throughout the year
  • Periodic cold snaps and occasional late spring frosts

The Kentucky growing season typically spans 170-190 days in the mountain regions to 200-210 days in the western parts of the state. 

Most areas experience frost-free days from mid-April through mid-October, though this can vary significantly by location and elevation.

Challenges of Growing in Kentucky

Temperature Fluctuations

Kentucky's position in the thermal transition zone means rapid temperature swings are common, particularly in spring. Late frosts can damage early plantings, while summer heat waves stress cool-season crops.

Clay-Heavy Soils 

Much of Kentucky features heavy clay soils that, while fertile, can present drainage challenges and become compacted easily. While excellent for grass and pasture, the famous limestone-rich Bluegrass region soil requires amendment for many garden crops.

Disease Pressure 

High humidity and warm temperatures create favorable conditions for fungal diseases, particularly in crops like tomatoes and squash. The state's wet springs can also delay planting and promote seedling diseases.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Kentucky

While Kentucky offers good growing conditions, a greenhouse can significantly expand your gardening possibilities:

1. Extend Your Growing Season 

  • Without a Greenhouse: In central Kentucky, outdoor planting typically begins in late April and ends in early October. 
  • With a Greenhouse: Start seeds as early as February and continue harvesting through December. This extension is particularly valuable for starting warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers 6-8 weeks earlier or extending fall harvests of greens and root crops by 6-8 weeks.

Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Kentucky.

Customer images of their Greenhouse set up in Kentucky

2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables Without a Greenhouse: 

  • Without a Greenhouse:  

Kentucky's outdoor conditions support traditional crops like:

  • Corn
  • Soybeans 
  • Potatoes 
  • Winter squash
  • Tobacco
  • Peaches
  • Cucumbers
  • Squash
  • Cantaloupes
  • Lima beans
  • With a Greenhouse: 

Create protected environments for:

  • Arugula,
  • Spinach, 
  • Broccoli,
  • Cauliflower, 
  • Brussels sprouts, 
  • Tomatoes, 
  • Peppers,
  • Eggplant, Cucumbers, environment)
  • melons
  • Zucchini, 
  • Carrots, 
  • Beets, 
  • Radishes)
  • Kale, 
  • Swiss chard,
  • Collard greens)
  • Basil, 
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley,
  • Rosemary,
  • Thyme, 
  • Green beans, Green onions,
  • Leeks)
  • Lemons,
  • Limes,
  • Kumquats,
  • Figs

Why Planta Greenhouses?

For Kentucky, we recommend the following greenhouses:

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