What to plant in December in Kentucky
In Kentucky (KY), December sits about 18 weeks before the average last frost (April 18). The state averages 185 frost-free days a year (last frost April 18, first frost October 20; USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a).
Almost nothing is due to be sown in December - it's a month for planning, ordering seed and looking after what's already growing.
Dates here come from Kentucky frost dates (last frost Apr 18, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic in Kentucky.
Kentucky: planting activity through the year
Planting dates for popular crops in Kentucky
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Kentucky: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in December in Kentucky
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
A planning month: December garden jobs in Kentucky
- Order seed while stock is good. Kentucky's average last frost is April 18, so the first indoor sowings begin around January 24 - see starting seeds indoors.
- Sketch this year's beds and move each crop family to a new spot - the garden planner and the crop rotation guide make it quick.
- Test old seed: roll ten seeds in a damp paper towel for a week. If fewer than seven sprout, sow thicker or buy fresh.
- If the ground isn't frozen, spread compost now so it's worked in by spring, and send off a soil test - December is when labs are quiet.
USDA zone chart for Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Kentucky in December?
Very little is sown outdoors in Kentucky in December. Use the month to plan beds, order seed and prepare soil.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Kentucky in December?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Kentucky have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 21.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Kentucky in December?
For this year, yes - the lettuce windows in Kentucky have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about March 14.
When is the first frost in Kentucky?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 18. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What to plant in December in other states
Dates are computed from Kentucky’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.