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When to plant Kale in Boone County, KY

For Kale in Boone County, the safe spring window opens around April 5 and closes around April 26. Last expected frost is April 19, first fall frost October 21, giving a 185-day growing season. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Boone County, KY

Kale

Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.

Boone County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 2,587 feet, Boone County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.

Boone County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Boone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kale Planting Timeline — Boone County, KY

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Aug 9
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Boone County

Growing Tips for Boone County

Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Boone County, KY?

Boone County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boone County, KY?

Boone County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Kale in Boone County, KY?

In Boone County, KY, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boone County, KY for Kale?

Boone County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Boone County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Boone County's temperate climate. Boone County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Boone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boone County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Boone County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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