When to Plant Garlic in Bourbon County, KY
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Bourbon County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 3,419 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 46.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.
Bourbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
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
Garlic Planting Timeline — Bourbon County, KY
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Bourbon County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Bourbon County, KY?
Bourbon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bourbon County, KY?
Bourbon County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bourbon County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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