When to plant Okra in Carter County, KY
For Okra in Carter County, the safe spring window opens around April 25 and closes around May 16. Last expected frost is April 18, first fall frost October 22, giving a 187-day growing season.
When to Plant Okra in Carter County, KY
Okra is a heat-loving tropical plant that produces edible seed pods. It thrives in hot summers and produces beautiful hibiscus-like flowers before setting pods.
Carter County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 3,358 feet, Carter County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Okra to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 16 okra plants in about 32 sq ft. In Carter County's 187-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Okra
Okra needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Okra Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Carter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Okra Planting Timeline — Carter County, KY
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Carter County
Direct sow after soil reaches 65F. Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Harvest pods when 2-4 inches long and still tender; they become tough if left too long.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Carter County, KY?
Carter County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, KY?
Carter County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Okra in Carter County, KY?
In Carter County, KY, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carter County, KY for Okra?
Carter County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Okra grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Okra grow in Carter County's climate?
Yes — Okra grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 22.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter 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.