When to Plant Carrots in Fentress County, TN
May in Fentress County, Tennessee — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Fentress County, Tennessee this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: carrots
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Fentress County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,108 feet, Fentress County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.
Fentress County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Fentress County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Carrots's range (6.0–6.8), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fentress County is excellent for Carrots — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Carrots.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fentress County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots 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.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Fentress County, TN
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Fentress County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Fentress County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after April 15 in Fentress County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Fentress County, TN?
Fentress County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fentress County, TN?
Fentress County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Fentress County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fentress 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.