Lexington-Fayette, KY planting zone & frost dates
Lexington-Fayette is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 13 and the first fall frost around October 28, for a growing season of about 196 days.
Planting calendar for Lexington-Fayette
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 13) 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 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 28).
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 30 | Apr 13 | May 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 8 | Oct 28 | Oct 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 31.
Nearby cities
- Lexington zone 7a, last frost Apr 13
- Georgetown zone 6b, last frost Apr 13
- Nicholasville zone 7a, last frost Apr 7
- Winchester zone 7a, last frost Apr 20
- Richmond zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Lawrenceburg zone 6b, last frost Apr 12
- Frankfort zone 6b, last frost Apr 15
- Berea zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
Questions
What growing zone is Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Lexington-Fayette 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 Lexington-Fayette?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lexington-Fayette is April 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lexington-Fayette?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 20 – Apr 27. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lexington Bluegrass Ap, KY (USW00093820), 12.9 km (8.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 299 m, based on 30 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.