What Plant Zone is KY?

Introduction

When it comes to gardening or farming in Kentucky, knowing what plant zone you're in is crucial. Planting the wrong crops or plants of the incorrect varieties or at the wrong time of year can waste both time and money as they fail to thrive, or even die. Therefore, this article aims to answer the question, what plant zone is KY, and its significance in determining what crops and plants grow best in the region.

Understanding Plant Zones

Before anything else, it's essential to understand what plant zones are. Similar to climate zones, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created a plant hardiness map that divides the country into 11 different zones based on their respective average minimum temperatures. Each of these zones determines which plants can thrive in a given location. As a result, individuals can determine what grows best in their area, depending on your state's zone.

Kentucky Plant Zones

Now, let's go back and answer our question, "What plant zone is KY?" Kentucky ranges primarily from zones 6a to 7b, depending on the location. On average, northern Kentucky is in zone 6a, central Kentucky is in 6b, and southern Kentucky is in zone 7a or 7b.

What Can Grow in KY Plant Zones

Now that you know what zones Kentucky is in, you're better able to answer the question, "what plants and crops should you grow?" In zone 6, temperatures can reach as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it somewhat challenging to grow crops without the aid of greenhouse heaters. However, some plants do well in colder temperatures, including collard greens, spinach, and broccoli. Meanwhile, in zone 7, the temperatures range from 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. For this zone, crops that thrive include asparagus, cabbage, carrots, and beets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing what plant zone is KY is crucial when it comes to determining what crops and plants grow well in the region. By knowing this, individuals can better plan their gardens, maximize their yields, and avoid wasting time and resources. So, the next time you're thinking about what to grow in your garden or farm, remember to check out the USDA plant hardiness map to see what works best in your particular zone.