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When to plant Endive in Meade County, KY

For Endive in Meade County, the safe spring window opens around March 18 and closes around April 8. Last expected frost is April 1, first fall frost November 3, giving a 216-day growing season. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Endive in Meade County, KY

Endive is a leafy green with a slightly bitter flavor, available in curly (frisee) and broad-leaved (escarole) types. It adds texture and complexity to salads.

Meade County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 2,934 feet, Meade County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.

Meade County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Meade County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Endive

Endive needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Endive Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Meade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Endive Planting Timeline — Meade County, KY

Endive Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 8
Harvest May 20 May 20 – Jun 24
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

45–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Meade County

Growing Tips for Meade County

Sow seeds directly in spring or fall. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves together 2-3 weeks before harvest to reduce bitterness. Keep soil evenly moist.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Endive in Meade County, KY?

Meade County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Meade County, KY?

Meade County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Endive in Meade County, KY?

In Meade County, KY, plant Endive after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Meade County, KY for Endive?

Meade County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Endive grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Endive grow in Meade County's climate?

Yes — Endive grows well in Meade County's temperate climate. Meade County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Meade County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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