When to plant Lovage in Metcalfe County, KY
Metcalfe County's 202-day season only supports one Lovage planting per year. Sow between April 16 and April 30 for the best chance at full maturity before October 28.
When to Plant Lovage in Metcalfe County, KY
Your July game plan for Metcalfe County, Kentucky
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Bring in the lovage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: lovage
Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.
Metcalfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 2,244 feet, Metcalfe County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lovage root diseases.
Metcalfe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Lovage 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 Metcalfe County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.9) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Metcalfe County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Lovage.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Lovage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage
Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lovage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Metcalfe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage 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.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Metcalfe County, KY
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Metcalfe County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Metcalfe County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 09 in Metcalfe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Metcalfe County, KY?
Metcalfe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Metcalfe County, KY?
Metcalfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Lovage in Metcalfe County, KY?
In Metcalfe County, KY, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Metcalfe County, KY for Lovage?
Metcalfe County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lovage grow in Metcalfe County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Metcalfe County's temperate climate. Metcalfe County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Metcalfe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Metcalfe 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.