When to plant winter squash in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant winter squash shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly 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 | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 20 – May 4 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 12 – April 26 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 9 – April 23 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 23 – May 7 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 25 – May 9 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 22 – May 6 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 25 – May 9 |
Winter Squash in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant winter squash in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow winter squash spans roughly April 7 in Shively to May 8 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the winter squash planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right winter squash 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 winter squash take to grow in Kentucky?
Winter Squash takes about 85–110 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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