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When to plant Beets in McCracken County, KY

Beets planted in McCracken County between March 16 and April 6 matures in 50–70 days — well before the October 30 first frost. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in McCracken 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.

McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 1,445 feet, McCracken County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.

McCracken County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
214 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

McCracken County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Beets Planting Timeline — McCracken County, KY

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest May 11 May 11 – Jun 8
Fall Sowing August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 4

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 Fall Sowing
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

214 days in McCracken County

Growing Tips for McCracken 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 McCracken County, KY?

McCracken County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McCracken County, KY?

McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 30.

When should I plant Beets in McCracken County, KY?

In McCracken County, KY, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is McCracken County, KY for Beets?

McCracken 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 McCracken County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in McCracken County's temperate climate. McCracken County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 30.

🌱

Your McCracken County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for McCracken 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 McCracken County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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