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When to plant Kale in Ohio County, KY

For Kale in Ohio County, the safe spring window opens around March 25 and closes around April 15. Last expected frost is April 8, first fall frost October 28, giving a 203-day growing season. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Ohio County, KY

Kale

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.

Ohio County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.

At an elevation of 1,511 feet, Ohio County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.

Ohio County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
203 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
203 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Ohio County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kale Planting Timeline — Ohio County, KY

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 29
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 – Sep 2

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
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

203 days in Ohio County

Growing Tips for Ohio 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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Ohio County, KY?

Ohio County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ohio County, KY?

Ohio County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Kale in Ohio County, KY?

In Ohio County, KY, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ohio County, KY for Kale?

Ohio County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Ohio County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Ohio County's temperate climate. Ohio County averages a 203-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Ohio County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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