When to Plant Kohlrabi in Carlisle County, KY
Carlisle County, Kentucky gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: kohlrabi
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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It's harvest week for kohlrabi
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.
Carlisle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 4,000 feet, Carlisle County receives approximately 44.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season.
Carlisle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Carlisle County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Kohlrabi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carlisle County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Carlisle County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Carlisle County, KY
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Carlisle County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Carlisle County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after March 28 in Carlisle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 217.0-day season in Carlisle County allows multiple plantings of Kohlrabi. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kohlrabi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Carlisle County, KY?
Carlisle County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carlisle County, KY?
Carlisle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Carlisle County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carlisle County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.