When to plant tomato in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant tomato shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 13 – April 20 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 20 – April 27 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 12 – April 19 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 9 – April 16 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 23 – April 30 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 22 – April 29 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 25 – May 2 |
Tomato in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant tomato in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to transplant tomato spans roughly April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the tomato planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right tomato planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does tomato take to grow in Kentucky?
Tomato takes about 60–85 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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