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When to plant Pumpkin in Owsley County, KY

In Owsley County, plant Pumpkin in spring between April 29 and May 20, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Owsley County's last frost averages April 22, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 85–120 days before the first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Pumpkin in Owsley County, KY

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.

Owsley County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,434 feet, Owsley County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Owsley County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Owsley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Pumpkin

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

Month Pumpkin Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Owsley County, KY

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 – Sep 23

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Owsley County

Growing Tips for Owsley County

Direct sow on mounds after last frost. Allow 6-10 feet between plants. Slip a board under developing fruit to prevent rot. Harvest when rind is hard and deep in color.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pumpkin in Owsley County, KY?

Owsley County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Owsley County, KY?

Owsley County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Pumpkin in Owsley County, KY?

In Owsley County, KY, plant Pumpkin after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Owsley County, KY for Pumpkin?

Owsley County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Pumpkin grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pumpkin grow in Owsley County's climate?

Yes — Pumpkin grows well in Owsley County's temperate climate. Owsley County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Owsley County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Owsley 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.

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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 Owsley County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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