Kentucky falls within the USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7b, depending on which area you’re in. Knowing your planting zone in the Bluegrass State is essential for choosing the best plants for your garden, so let’s get more into that.
If you want to know the planting zone of your region, below you can find links to our guides for each Kentucky region:
- Northern Kentucky Planting Zones
- Eastern Kentucky Planting Zones
- Western Kentucky Planting Zones
- Central Kentucky Planting Zones
But if you want to know the planting zones for all of Kentucky, read on.
What planting zone is Kentucky?
With the previous USDA hardiness zone map of 2012, Kentucky fell within zones 6a, 6b, and 7a. Now, as of 2023, updated data puts Kentucky at zones 6b, 7a, and 7b, with most of the state falling within zone 7a.
This change means that the average minimum temperature has increased slightly. Here is the Kentucky planting zone map and the specifics about each zone:
Zone 6b
North central and northeast Kentucky fall into zone 6b, which includes important cities like Frankfort and Covington. In this zone, the extreme minimum temperature ranges from -5 F to 0 F.
Gardeners in this region need to carefully choose native plants that can withstand these colder winter temperatures. Read our guide on The Best Kentucky Native Plants for Home Landscapes for more information.
Zone 7a
Most of the Bluegrass State falls within zone 7a. This includes Western, Eastern, and south central Kentucky, encompassing major cities such as:
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Owensboro
In zone 7a, the extreme minimum temperatures in the winter range from 0 F to 5 F.
Zone 7b
Part of Western Kentucky, especially south in the Jackson Purchase area — where the elevation is at its lowest point in the state — falls into zone 7b. In this zone, the extreme minimum temperature ranges from 5 F to 10 F.
Zone 7b encompasses the following counties, either partially or entirely:
- Fulton
- Calloway
- Graves
- Hickman
- Carlisle
- Marshall
- McCracken
- Lyon
- Trigg
- Christian
- Logan
- Allen
When to call a pro
Knowing your planting zone is crucial to create a beautiful landscape that can withstand Kentucky’s climate, but it’s only the beginning. If you’re still unsure about what and how to plant, consider calling a local professional for assistance. They can provide expert guidance tailored to your specific region so you have a thriving garden all year round.
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Main Image Credit: Shropshire House | Christopher L. Riley | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
