When to Plant Shallot in Nelson County, KY
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 2,068 feet, Nelson County receives approximately 46.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Shallot during the growing season.
Nelson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Nelson County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Shallot's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nelson County is excellent for Shallot — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Shallot Planting Timeline — Nelson County, KY
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Nelson County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Nelson County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after April 06 in Nelson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nelson County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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