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Green County, KY — Planting Guide

Green County 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 3,262 ft, Green County receives approximately 50.7 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 91°F with winter lows around 26°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.

Based on 31 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 29 days year to year — ranging from March 28 in warm years to April 27 in cold years. The growing season is trending shorter by about 0.57 days per decade. Green County scores 57/100 (Moderate) on the Microclimate Index.

🌡️ Zone

6b (-5°F to 0°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

April 11

🍂 First Frost

October 26

📅 Growing Season

198 days

⛰️ Elevation

3,262 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

50.7 in

Green County, KY Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Monthly Watering Calendar

When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.

1"/wk 0" 1.4" 2.8" 4.1" 5.5" Jan 3.8" Feb 3.6" Mar 5.5" +1" Apr 3.3" May 4.1" Jun 4.8" Jul 4.7" Aug 5.3" +0.5" Sep 3.8" +0.8" Oct 3.5" Nov 3.8" Dec 4.5"
Rainfall sufficient Supplemental water needed Heavy watering required - - - 1"/week garden need
View detailed monthly data
MonthAvg RainfallRainy DaysExtra Water NeededWatering Effort
Jan 3.8 in 8 days None
Feb 3.6 in 8 days None
Mar 5.5 in 9 days Low
Apr 3.3 in 7 days 1 in Moderate
May 4.1 in 9 days 0.2 in Low
Jun 4.8 in 10 days Low
Jul 4.7 in 13 days Low
Aug 5.3 in 11 days Low
Sep 3.8 in 8 days 0.5 in Low
Oct 3.5 in 7 days 0.8 in Moderate
Nov 3.8 in 6 days None
Dec 4.5 in 10 days None

Annual total: 50.7 in. Gardens typically need ~1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Months marked "None" for extra water are outside the active growing season for your zone — most gardens are dormant and don't need irrigation during those months.

Green County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Frost Risk Probability

Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations

Too early frost risk Safe to Plant Apr 11 → Oct 26 198 frost-free days Protect crops frost returns Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Safe: Apr 27 Protect by: Nov 8

Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.

How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.

Planting Strategy Last Spring Frost First Fall Frost Frost-Free Days
Conservative (safest) Apr 27 Nov 8 195 days
Cautious Apr 19 Oct 31 195 days
Average year Apr 11 Oct 26 198 days
Optimistic Apr 5 Oct 20 198 days
Aggressive (risky) Mar 28 Oct 11 197 days
📊
How predictable are frost dates here?

Not very — frost dates can vary by ±29 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.

⚠️
Is the growing season changing?

Slightly — seasons are trending a bit shorter (0.6 days/decade). Stay conservative with planting dates.

Gardening Difficulty Score

57 Moderate
Frost Timing Risk
10.0/10
Drought Risk
5.5/10
Soil Difficulty
1.0/10
Altitude Challenge
4.5/10
Climate Shift
2.3/10
Rainfall Challenge
2.3/10

Green County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.

Zone 6b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 11 First Frost: Oct 26

Local Gardening Help in Green County

Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Green County's climate and soil.

County Extension Office

Green County University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Extension Office

Phone: 859-257-4302

Visit Extension Office Website →

Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.

Master Gardener Program

Free gardening help from trained volunteers

Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.

Find Master Gardeners in KY →

Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.

Soil Testing

Available through your extension office

Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.

Request a Soil Test →

Services Available in Green County

Soil testing Pest identification Master Gardener program
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Green County

Why Buy Local

Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Green County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.

How to Find Them

Search for "nurseries near Green County KY" or "garden center Green County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.

Community gardens & gardening groups

Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Green County KY" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Green County Gardeners" or "Kentucky Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.

What to Plant After Your Harvest

After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.

After Squash (Winter) (harvest ends Sep 12) 44 days until frost
After Sweet Corn (harvest ends Jul 25) 93 days until frost
After Sweet Potatoes (harvest ends Sep 12) 44 days until frost
Show 6 more succession options
After Zucchini (harvest ends Aug 8) 79 days until frost
After Onion (harvest ends Aug 29) 58 days until frost
After Cantaloupe (harvest ends Aug 15) 72 days until frost
After Beets (harvest ends Jul 4) 114 days until frost
After Peppers (harvest ends Sep 5) 51 days until frost
After Eggplant (harvest ends Sep 5) 51 days until frost

Sunlight & Day Length

Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.

Longest Day

14.6 hours

Summer solstice daylight

Shortest Day

9.4 hours

Winter solstice daylight

Peak Sun Hours

9 hr/day peak (summer)

Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.

14hr 12hr 3h 6h 10h 13h 16h Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) Peak sun hours (direct sunlight after cloud cover) ▪ Gold zone = long day (14+ hr) ▪ Blue zone = short day (<12 hr)

Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.

View detailed monthly data
MonthDaylight HoursPeak Sun HoursDay Length
January 9.7 hr 4.7 hr Short day
February 10.6 hr 5.3 hr Short day
March 11.7 hr 6.2 hr Short day
April 13 hr 7.7 hr Neutral
May 14 hr 9 hr Long day
June 14.6 hr 8.3 hr Long day
July 14.3 hr 7.5 hr Long day
August 13.4 hr 7.1 hr Neutral
September 12.2 hr 7.1 hr Neutral
October 11 hr 6.9 hr Short day
November 10 hr 5.6 hr Short day
December 9.4 hr 4.4 hr Short day

Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.

Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar

Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.

Plant Warm Crops When

Soil reaches 60°F+

Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.

Best Month to Compost

Jun

Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.

Active Composting

6 months

Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.

60°F 70°F 10° 30° 50° 70° 90° Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
4" depth 8" depth - - - 60°F (corn, beans) - - - 70°F (tomatoes, peppers)
View detailed monthly data
MonthSoil 4" DeepSoil 8" DeepCompost ActivityTime to Finish
Jan 22°F 30°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Feb 23°F 30°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Mar 34°F 34°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks
Apr 42°F 42°F 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
May 56°F 53°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Jun 67°F 61°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Jul 72°F 69°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Aug 76°F 71°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Sep 68°F 67°F 🔥 Peak ~8 weeks
Oct 57°F 59°F ♻️ Active ~14 weeks
Nov 42°F 46°F 🐢 Slow ~24 weeks
Dec 31°F 39°F ❄️ Dormant ~36 weeks

Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.

Pest & Disease Pressure in Green County

Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.

Insect Pest Pressure

5.9 / 10

Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.

Disease Risk

5 / 10

Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.

Seasonal Risk

Spring Low
Summer High
Fall Low
Winter Low
View 6 common pests in your area
PestRisk LevelPeak Months
Aphids Moderate Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Japanese beetles Moderate Jun, Jul, Aug
Squash vine borers Moderate Jun, Jul
Tomato hornworms Moderate Jun, Jul, Aug
Cucumber beetles Low May, Jun, Jul
Stink bugs Low Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Organic pest management tips
  • Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
  • Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
  • Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
  • Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
  • Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years

Cover Crops for Green County

Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.

Fall Cover Crops (7 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Austrian winter peas Aug 29 Mar 21 ✓ Yes Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils
Crimson clover Aug 29 Mar 21 ✓ Yes Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring
Daikon radish Sep 1 Mar 21 Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils
Hairy vetch Aug 8 Mar 21 ✓ Yes Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils
Oats Sep 16 Mar 21 Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed
Winter rye Jul 31 Mar 21 Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil
Winter wheat Aug 1 Mar 21 Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Buckwheat Apr 18 Aug 17 Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds
Sorghum-sudan grass Apr 22 Aug 17 Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes
White clover Mar 17 Aug 17 ✓ Yes Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
Crop Plant By Terminate N-Fixing Soil Benefit
Sunflowers Apr 29 Oct 12 Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects

Wind & Microclimate

Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.

Seasonal Wind Speed

Spring: 10 mph   Summer: 7 mph

Fall: 8 mph   Winter: 11 mph

Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.

Windbreak Benefit

3.4/10

Low need — wind is not a major factor in your garden planning.

Frost Pocket Risk

Low

Relatively flat terrain (267 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.

Rainwater Harvesting Potential

How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.

Annual Collection

25,268 gal

Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)

Recommended Setup

6 rain barrels (55 gal each)

For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 500 gal tank.

Legal Status

Unrestricted

Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.

Best Collection Months

Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug

Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.

Months to Draw From Storage

Feb, Apr, Oct

Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.

Rainwater collection tips for your area
  • Your county receives approximately 50.7 inches of rain per year
  • A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 25,268 gallons annually
  • Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
  • Your area gets ample rainfall — even small barrels make a big difference
  • Consider a rain garden to handle overflow during heavy rainfall months

Soil & Growing Conditions in Green County

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH 5.3–6.5 · Well Drained drainage

Good candidate for raised beds to maximise drainage and extend the season.

Watering Needs

Drought stress: 5.5/10

Moderate drought pressure. Drip irrigation and mulching are highly recommended to maintain soil moisture through summer.

Season Tips

198-day frost-free season

Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.

Free Garden Planner

Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.

Get My Free Planner →

Recommended for Your Garden

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

📏
Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

🍂
Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Green County

108 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Green County.

Show all 108 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 18 – Aug 22 80–100
Amaranth Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12 90–120
Arugula Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jul 18 30–50
Asparagus Apr 25 730–1095
Beets Mar 28 May 23 – Jun 20 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Aug 1 – Sep 26 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Black Beans Apr 18 Jul 18 – Sep 5 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 23 – Jun 27 40–60
Broccoli Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Jul 25 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 23 – Jun 27 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 11 – Sep 5 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Aug 29 85–110
Cabbage Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Aug 8 60–100
Calabash Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 18 – Sep 12 80–120
Carrots Mar 28 May 30 – Jul 4 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Aug 8 55–100
Celeriac Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 25 – Aug 29 100–120
Celery Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 4 – Aug 29 80–120
Celtuce Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Jul 25 60–90
Chard Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Jul 25 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 4 – Aug 15 80–110
Chicory Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Jul 25 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Jul 4 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 18 – Aug 22 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Aug 8 55–75
Corn Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 15 60–100
Cowpeas Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Cress Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Apr 25 – May 16 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 13 – Jul 11 45–60
Crosne Mar 28 Aug 29 – Oct 10 150–200
Cucumber Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–70
Daikon Mar 28 May 23 – Jun 20 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 18 – Aug 22 80–100
Edamame Apr 18 Jul 4 – Aug 15 75–100
Eggplant Jan 31 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 65–85
Endive Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 30 – Jul 4 45–65
Escarole Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Jul 4 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 27 – Aug 8 75–100
Fennel Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Garlic 90–240
Green Beans Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–65
Horseradish Apr 25 Aug 29 – Nov 7 120–180
Hot Peppers Jan 31 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Oct 10 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Aug 8 – Sep 12 100–120
Kabocha Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Aug 22 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 30 – Jun 27 45–60
Kale Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Aug 1 50–70
Kidney Beans Apr 18 Jul 18 – Aug 22 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 30 – Jul 4 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jun 20 35–50
Leeks Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 11 – Sep 26 90–150
Lentils Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 4 – Aug 15 80–110
Lettuce Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jul 25 30–60
Lima Beans Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Loofah Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Aug 8 – Oct 10 100–150
Luffa Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–150
Mache Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 23 – Jun 27 40–60
Melon Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Aug 22 70–100
Microgreens Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Apr 18 – May 16 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 May 30 – Jul 25 50–70
Mizuna Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jun 13 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jul 18 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Jul 11 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Jul 18 55–70
Okra Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–65
Onion Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 11 – Aug 29 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 23 – Jun 20 40–55
Parsnip Mar 28 Jul 11 – Aug 22 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 13 – Jul 11 45–60
Peas Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Aug 1 55–70
Peppers Jan 31 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 55–70
Potatoes Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 12 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12 85–120
Purslane Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 23 – Jun 27 40–60
Radicchio Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Jul 18 60–80
Radish Mar 28 Apr 25 – May 16 22–35
Rhubarb May 2 365–730
Romanesco Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 27 – Aug 8 75–100
Rutabaga Mar 28 Jun 20 – Jul 25 80–100
Salsify Mar 28 Jul 11 – Aug 22 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 20 – Aug 15 70–110
Scallions Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Jul 4 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 1 60–80
Shallot Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jul 11 – Aug 29 90–120
Shiso Feb 21 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Aug 1 50–65
Soybeans Apr 18 Jul 11 – Sep 5 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Aug 22 85–100
Spinach Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jul 18 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 13 – Aug 15 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 18 – Sep 12 80–120
Sunchoke Apr 25 Aug 15 – Oct 10 110–150
Sunflower Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Aug 22 70–100
Sweet Corn Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 16 – Jun 20 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–85
Turnip Mar 28 May 9 – Jun 13 40–60
Watercress Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 11 May 23 – Jun 27 40–60
Watermelon Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 4 – Aug 22 70–100
Wax Beans Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 25 – Sep 12 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 14 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 1 55–80
Zucchini Mar 7 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 13 – Aug 8 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Green County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Green County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries May 2 Aug 1 – Nov 14 90–180
Aronia May 2 730–1095
Blackberries May 2 365–730
Blueberries May 2 730–1095
Boysenberries May 2 365–730
Cantaloupe May 2 Jul 11 – Aug 15 70–90
Che Fruit May 2 1095–1825
Cranberries May 2 730–1095
Currants May 2 730–1095
Elderberries May 2 730–1095
Goji Berries May 2 730–1095
Gooseberries May 2 730–1095
Grapes May 2 730–1095
Ground Cherry May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 5 65–80
Hardy Kiwi May 2 1095–1825
Haskaps May 2 730–1095
Honeydew May 2 Jul 25 – Sep 5 80–110
Jostaberry May 2 730–1095
Lingonberries May 2 730–1095
Medlar May 2 1095–1825
Mulberries May 2 730–1825
Pawpaw May 2 1095–2555
Persimmon May 2 1095–2555
Quince May 2 1095–1825
Raspberries May 2 365–730
Serviceberries May 2 730–1095
Strawberries May 2 Aug 1 – Nov 14 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Green County

38 herbs that grow well in Zone 6b with planting dates for Green County.

Show all 38 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 365–730
Anise Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 Jul 4 – Sep 19 90–120
Basil Feb 21 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 22 50–75
Bee Balm Apr 18 Jul 18 – Oct 3 90–120
Borage Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 May 30 – Jul 18 50–60
Caraway Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 365–450
Catnip Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 22 60–80
Chamomile Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 Jun 6 – Aug 15 60–90
Chervil Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 May 16 – Jul 18 40–60
Chives Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Cilantro Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 May 16 – Jul 18 40–60
Comfrey Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Cumin Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 Jul 18 – Sep 19 100–120
Dill Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 May 16 – Jul 18 40–60
Echinacea Apr 18 Aug 22 – Oct 31 120–180
Epazote Feb 21 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 13 – Aug 8 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 Jun 6 – Aug 15 60–90
Feverfew Apr 18 Jul 18 – Oct 3 90–120
Garlic Chives Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Horehound Apr 18 Jul 4 – Aug 29 75–90
Hyssop Apr 18 Jun 27 – Aug 29 70–90
Lavender Apr 18 Jul 18 – Oct 31 90–200
Lemon Balm Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 8 60–70
Lemon Thyme Apr 18 Jun 27 – Aug 29 70–90
Lovage Apr 18 Jun 27 – Aug 29 70–90
Marjoram Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Mint Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Oregano Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Parsley Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 Jun 6 – Aug 8 60–80
Rue Apr 18 Jun 27 – Aug 29 70–90
Sage Apr 18 Jul 4 – Aug 29 75–90
Savory Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–70
Sorrel Mar 7 Mar 28 Apr 4 May 16 – Jul 18 40–60
Tarragon Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 29 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 21 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 22 50–75
Thyme Apr 18 Jun 27 – Aug 29 70–90
Valerian Apr 18 Aug 22 – Oct 31 120–180
Yarrow Apr 18 Jul 18 – Oct 3 90–120

Monthly Planting Guide for Green County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Green County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Green County, KY?

Green County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.

When is the last frost in Green County, KY?

Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Green County falls around April 11. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between March 28 and April 27 — a 29-day window of variability. Use April 27 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.

When is the first fall frost in Green County, KY?

The median first fall frost in Green County arrives around October 26. In cold years it can arrive as early as October 11; in mild years as late as November 8. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

How long is the growing season in Green County?

Green County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 198 days. This is enough time for most warm-season crops including tomatoes, peppers, and squash with proper timing. Climate records show the growing season is trending shorter by about 0.57 days per decade.

What is the soil like in Green County for gardening?

Green County has predominantly Silt Loam soil with a pH range of 5.3–6.5 and Well Drained drainage. Most vegetables and herbs grow well with standard composting and seasonal soil amendment.

What is grown commercially in Green County?

Green County has commercial agriculture that includes Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Wheat. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.

Is Green County a good location for home gardening?

Green County scores 57/100 (Moderate) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Conditions here are moderate — most common crops grow well with standard timing and care.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Green County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Level Up Your Garden

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA GHCN-D daily station data (1994–2024) from 3 weather stations in or near Green County (31 years of records). Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: April 2026.