When to Plant Broccoli in McCreary County, KY
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
McCreary County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 1,081 feet, McCreary County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.
McCreary County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In McCreary County's 184-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Broccoli Planting Timeline — McCreary County, KY
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
184 days in McCreary County
Growing Tips for McCreary County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in McCreary County, KY?
McCreary County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCreary County, KY?
McCreary County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McCreary County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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