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Bowling Green, KY Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Bowling Green usually comes around Apr 3 and the first fall frost around Nov 2, a growing season of about 213 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6 and plant them outside Apr 17 – May 1.

Last spring frostApr 3
First fall frostNov 2
Growing season213 days

When to plant vegetables in Bowling Green

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 20 – Mar 6Apr 17 – May 1—
PeppersFeb 13 – Feb 27Apr 24 – May 8—
EggplantFeb 13 – Feb 27Apr 24 – May 8—
Cucumbers—Apr 17 – May 1—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 17 – May 1—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 24 – May 8—
Green beans—Apr 17 – May 1Aug 10 – Aug 24
Sweet corn—Apr 17 – May 1—
BasilMar 6 – Mar 20Apr 17 – May 1—
LettuceFeb 6 – Feb 20Mar 6 – Apr 17Sep 7 – Sep 21
Spinach—Feb 20 – Mar 13Sep 7 – Sep 21
Peas—Feb 20 – Mar 13Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots—Mar 6 – Apr 10Aug 10 – Aug 24
Radishes—Feb 27 – Apr 17Sep 21 – Oct 5
BroccoliJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 6 – Mar 20Aug 10 – Aug 24
KaleFeb 6 – Feb 20Feb 27 – Mar 13Aug 24 – Sep 7
Onions—Mar 6 – Mar 20—
Potatoes—Mar 13 – Apr 10—
Garlic——Oct 19 – Nov 23

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Bowling Green. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Bowling Green

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Bowling Green?

The median last spring frost is Apr 3 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Bowling Green?

Start seeds indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6 and set plants outside Apr 17 – May 1, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Bowling Green?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 2): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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