When to plant Radish in Lee County, KY
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Radish between April 4 (after last frost on April 18) and April 25. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radish in Lee County, KY
June in the garden — Lee County, Kentucky
Each item below is timed to Lee County, Kentucky's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
Lee County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 3,433 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radish root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Radish 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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Radish's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Radish.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Radish Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — Lee County, KY
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Radish in Lee County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 18 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 186.0-day season in Lee County allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish 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 every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Lee County, KY?
Lee County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, KY?
Lee County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Radish in Lee County, KY?
In Lee County, KY, plant Radish after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lee County, KY for Radish?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Radish grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radish grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Radish grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 21.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.