When to plant Kale in Nicholas County, KY
Plant Kale in Nicholas County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 2. Continue planting through April 23 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Nicholas County, KY
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
Nicholas County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,533 feet, Nicholas County receives approximately 42.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Nicholas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Timeline — Nicholas County, KY
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Nicholas County
Growing Tips for Nicholas County
Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Nicholas County, KY?
Nicholas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nicholas County, KY?
Nicholas County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Kale in Nicholas County, KY?
In Nicholas County, KY, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nicholas County, KY for Kale?
Nicholas County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Nicholas County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Nicholas County's temperate climate. Nicholas County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 26.
Your Nicholas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nicholas County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.