When to Plant Garlic in Pike 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.
Pike County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,655 feet, Pike County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 — Pike 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
194 days
Growing Tips for Pike 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 Pike County, KY?
Pike County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, KY?
Pike County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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