Henderson, KY planting zone & frost dates
Henderson is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 9 and the first fall frost around October 26, for a growing season of about 198 days.
Planting calendar for Henderson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 9) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 31 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 26).
Useful for zone 7a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 26 | Apr 9 | Apr 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 6 | Oct 26 | Oct 12 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 12. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Henderson
- 42419 zone 7a
- 42420 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Owensboro zone 7a, last frost Apr 3
- Madisonville zone 7a, last frost Apr 2
- Hopkinsville zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Fort Campbell North zone 7a, last frost Apr 6
- Paducah zone 7a, last frost Apr 6
- Murray zone 7b, last frost Apr 5
- Bowling Green zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Mayfield zone 7b, last frost Apr 9
Questions
What growing zone is Henderson, KY?
Henderson is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Henderson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Henderson is April 9. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Henderson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 16 – Apr 23. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Henderson State Police, KY (USC00153768), 5.2 km (3.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 128 m, based on 8 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.