Kentucky growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start

Zones across Kentucky

Kentucky covers USDA Zones 6b–7a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.

• Zone 6b — Louisville, Lexington and the Bluegrass. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
• Zone 7a — Bowling Green and the western coalfield. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).

Spring dates for Louisville, Lexington and the Bluegrass (Zone 6b)

• Tomatoes: set out May 1 – May 22; fall June 25 – July 16
• Peppers: set out May 8 – May 29; fall July 9 – July 30
• Sweet corn: seed April 24 – May 15; fall July 9 – July 30
• Cucumbers: set out May 1 – May 22; fall July 23 – August 13
• Summer squash: seed May 1 – May 22; fall July 30 – August 20
• Green beans (bush): seed April 24 – May 15; fall July 23 – August 13
• Cabbage: set out March 27 – April 17; fall June 25 – July 16
• Broccoli: set out March 27 – April 17; fall June 25 – July 16

These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.

Published costs per acre

• Field-grown Tomatoes (CCD-CP-98) — 2018 costs (University of Kentucky — Center for Crop Diversification, 2018): about $14,730 per acre.
• Bell Peppers (CCD-CP-87) — 2017 budget (University of Kentucky — Center for Crop Diversification, 2017): about $13,565 per acre.
• Cabbage (CCD-CP-90) — 2017 budget (University of Kentucky — Center for Crop Diversification, 2017): about $6,295 per acre.
• Broccoli (CCD-CP-88) — 2017 budget (University of Kentucky — Center for Crop Diversification, 2017): about $5,530 per acre.
• Pumpkins (CCD-CP-114) — 2017-18 budget (University of Kentucky — Center for Crop Diversification, 2018): about $3,240 per acre.

Where to sell in Kentucky

• State buy-local program: the Kentucky Department of Agriculture runs Kentucky Proud. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
• Established market: Lexington Farmers Market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Established market: Bourbon Avenue Farmers Market (Louisville). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
• Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
• Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.

Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.

Farm taxes in Kentucky

• Income tax: Flat state income tax that has been stepping down; many cities and counties add occupational taxes.
• Sales tax on inputs: Farm inputs and machinery are exempt only with an Agriculture Exemption (AE) number from the Department of Revenue — vendors ask for it.
• Farmland property tax: Agricultural and horticultural land is assessed at its farm use value; apply with the county property valuation administrator.

Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.

Grants and cost-share in Kentucky

• Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund county and state programs, including County Agricultural Investment Program cost-share
• Specialty Crop Block Grant (Department of Agriculture)
• Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality cost-share
• USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
• Southern SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials

See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.

Who to call

• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
• Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers