When to plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, KY
In Franklin County, plant Tomatoes in spring between April 18 and May 9, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Franklin County's last frost averages April 11, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–85 days before the first frost on October 26.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, KY
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Franklin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 3,532 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 44.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tomatoes during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Tomatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 tomatoes plants in about 24 sq ft. In Franklin County's 198-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Franklin County, KY
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, KY?
Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, KY?
Franklin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, KY?
In Franklin County, KY, plant Tomatoes after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, KY for Tomatoes?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Tomatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatoes grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Tomatoes grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.