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When to plant Borage in Monroe County, KY

Monroe County's climate puts the Borage spring window between March 27 and April 17. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Monroe County, KY

Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.

Monroe County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 1,648 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.

Monroe County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Borage Planting Timeline — Monroe County, KY

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest May 29 May 29 – Jul 17
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 – Sep 2

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

50–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

201 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe County

Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Monroe County, KY?

Monroe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, KY?

Monroe County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Borage in Monroe County, KY?

In Monroe County, KY, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, KY for Borage?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Borage grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 28.

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Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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