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Owensboro, KY Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Owensboro usually comes around Apr 5 and the first fall frost around Nov 7, a growing season of about 216 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8 and plant them outside Apr 19 – May 3.

Last spring frostApr 5
First fall frostNov 7
Growing season216 days

When to plant vegetables in Owensboro

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 19 – May 3—
PeppersFeb 15 – Mar 1Apr 26 – May 10—
EggplantFeb 15 – Mar 1Apr 26 – May 10—
Cucumbers—Apr 19 – May 3—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 19 – May 3—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 26 – May 10—
Green beans—Apr 19 – May 3Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sweet corn—Apr 19 – May 3—
BasilMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 19 – May 3—
LettuceFeb 8 – Feb 22Mar 8 – Apr 19Sep 12 – Sep 26
Spinach—Feb 22 – Mar 15Sep 12 – Sep 26
Peas—Feb 22 – Mar 15Aug 29 – Sep 12
Carrots—Mar 8 – Apr 12Aug 15 – Aug 29
Radishes—Mar 1 – Apr 19Sep 26 – Oct 10
BroccoliJan 25 – Feb 8Mar 8 – Mar 22Aug 15 – Aug 29
KaleFeb 8 – Feb 22Mar 1 – Mar 15Aug 29 – Sep 12
Onions—Mar 8 – Mar 22—
Potatoes—Mar 15 – Apr 12—
Garlic——Oct 24 – Nov 28

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

Month-by-month planting in Owensboro

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, 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 Owensboro?

The median last spring frost is Apr 5 and the median first fall frost is Nov 7, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Owensboro?

Start seeds indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8 and set plants outside Apr 19 – May 3, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Owensboro?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 7): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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