When to Plant Borage in Martin County, KY
Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.
Martin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,188 feet, Martin County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Martin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Borage Planting Timeline — Martin County, KY
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Martin County
Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Martin County, KY?
Martin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Martin County, KY?
Martin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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