Frost Dates for Madisonville, KY 42431
Last spring frost April 12 · First fall frost October 21 · 192 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 42431 has about 27,200 people.
Long season: 192 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 31–April 24 (24 days). Fall frost risk spans October 6–November 5 (30 days).
Frost probability for 42431
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 24 | April 12 | March 31 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 6 | October 21 | November 5 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MADISONVILLE (4.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 192-day season in Madisonville
In Madisonville (192 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 21 |
| Pepper | Mar 1 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 26 |
| Lettuce | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 22 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 30 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 234 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 22. | Aug 19 |
| Cucumber | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Peas | — | Feb 15–Apr 26 | 255 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 255 available after Feb 15. | Aug 10 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Onion | Jan 18 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 227 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 15–Apr 5 | 269 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 18 |
| Kale | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 3 |
| Broccoli | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 227 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 15. | Jul 26 |
| Cabbage | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 241 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 241 available after Mar 15. | Aug 19 |
| Radish | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Oct 28. | Sep 19 |
| Beets | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 21 | 297 | overwinter: Plant Oct 21 to Nov 11; harvest the following summer. | Nov 11 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 8–May 3 | 248 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | Jul 3 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | Apr 26–Apr 26 | 157 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jun 8 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 206 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 5. | Jul 31 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Mar 29 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 269 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 18 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 241 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 241 available after Mar 15. | Jul 20 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jun 8 |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jul 1 |
| Okra | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Basil | Mar 8 | May 3–May 3 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 15–Apr 5 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Parsley | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 192 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 19. | Aug 5 |
| Celery | Feb 1 | Apr 19–May 3 | 192 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 19. | Jun 16 |
| Scallions | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 11. | Aug 29 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 8 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 1–Mar 15 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 11. | Sep 3 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 15 | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 30 |
| Collards | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 11. | Aug 29 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 16 |
| Chives | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 20 |
| Oregano | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 206 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 192 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Sage | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 206 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 28. | Aug 25 |
| Cosmos | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
| Lavender | Jan 18 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 1 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 7. | Aug 4 |
| Melons | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 150 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 26. | Jun 16 |
| Mint | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 171 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 19. | Jul 20 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jun 18 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 178 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 12. | Jul 15 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 157 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 19. | Jun 26 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 157 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 19. | Jun 21 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 30 |
| Zinnias | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 7. | Jul 25 |
Month by month in Madisonville
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 18), Lavender (Jan 18), Onion (Jan 18), Rosemary (Jan 18). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 1), Collards (Feb 1), Kale (Feb 1), Oregano (Feb 1), Parsley (Feb 1), Scallions (Feb 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 15), Beets (Feb 15), Dill (Feb 15), Peas (Feb 15), Radish (Feb 15), Spinach (Feb 15). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 1), Cauliflower (Mar 1), Marigolds (Mar 1), Pepper (Mar 1), Basil (Mar 8), Tomato (Mar 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 1), Cilantro (Mar 15), Turnip (Mar 15), Carrots (Mar 22), Potatoes (Mar 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 15), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 15), Cabbage (Mar 15), Collards (Mar 15), Kale (Mar 15), Lettuce (Mar 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 8). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 12), Beans (Apr 19), Pole Beans (Apr 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 5), Cauliflower (Apr 5), Cosmos (Apr 12), Lavender (Apr 12), Marigolds (Apr 12), Mint (Apr 12), +24 more. Last frost around April 12. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 3). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 8), Pumpkin (Jun 8), Cantaloupe (Jun 16), Celery (Jun 16), Melons (Jun 16), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 18), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 1), Corn (Jul 3), Sunflowers (Jul 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 20), Pole Beans (Jul 20), Basil (Jul 25), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Beans (Aug 1), Marigolds (Aug 4), Parsley (Aug 5), Peas (Aug 10), Cabbage (Aug 19), Carrots (Aug 19), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 3), Kohlrabi (Sep 3), Turnip (Sep 8), Arugula (Sep 18), Spinach (Sep 18), Radish (Sep 19). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 21). First frost around October 21. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 11). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Madisonville, KY (ZIP 42431)?
The median last spring frost date for Madisonville, KY (ZIP code 42431) is around April 12. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before March 31; one in ten it runs past April 24.
What is the first fall frost date in Madisonville, KY?
The median first fall frost date for Madisonville, KY is around October 21. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 6 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Madisonville, KY?
The frost-free growing season in Madisonville is about 192 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Madisonville (192 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Madisonville, KY?
Madisonville, KY is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Madisonville, KY?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 8 and plant out Apr 26 in Madisonville. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Madisonville?
Two: plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Oct 28.
When do I plant garlic in Madisonville?
Oct 21 to Nov 11; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Madisonville?
Yes: plant out Apr 26 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 21 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Owensboro (ZIP 42301) has 199 frost-free days, 7 more than Madisonville (ZIP 42431). See Owensboro ZIP 42301 frost dates
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