When to plant Shallot in Letcher County, KY
Aim to plant Shallot in Letcher County on or after March 30; the window stays open through April 20. Letcher County's 192-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Shallot in Letcher County, KY
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
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 Shallot during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Shallot root diseases.
Letcher County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Letcher County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Letcher County, KY
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Letcher County
Growing Tips for Letcher County
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Letcher County, KY?
Letcher County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Shallot 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 Shallot in Letcher County, KY?
In Letcher County, KY, plant Shallot 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 Shallot?
Letcher County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Shallot grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Shallot grow in Letcher County's climate?
Yes — Shallot 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.