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When to plant Beets in Letcher County, KY

Beets planted in Letcher County between March 30 and April 20 matures in 50–70 days — well before the October 22 first frost. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Letcher County, KY

Beets

Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Letcher County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 3,749 feet, Letcher County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.

Letcher County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Letcher County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Beets Planting Timeline — Letcher County, KY

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest May 25 May 25 – Jun 22
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 – Aug 27

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Letcher County

Growing Tips for Letcher County

Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in Letcher County, KY?

Letcher County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Letcher County, KY?

Letcher County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Beets in Letcher County, KY?

In Letcher County, KY, plant Beets after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Letcher County, KY for Beets?

Letcher County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Letcher County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Letcher County's temperate climate. Letcher County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Letcher County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Letcher 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Letcher County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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