Frost Dates for Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Last spring frost May 1 · First fall frost October 15 · 167 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
Frost probability for 41653
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 14 | May 1 | April 18 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 27 | October 15 | October 28 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (68.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Prestonsburg
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 1). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| April | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| May | Last frost around May 1. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| June | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| July | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| August | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 15). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 15. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 167-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Prestonsburg, KY (ZIP 41653)?
The median last spring frost date for Prestonsburg, KY (ZIP code 41653) is around May 1. 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.
What is the first fall frost date in Prestonsburg, KY?
The median first fall frost date for Prestonsburg, KY is around October 15. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Prestonsburg, KY?
The frost-free growing season in Prestonsburg is about 167 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.
What USDA hardiness zone is Prestonsburg, KY?
Based on frost date patterns, Prestonsburg falls approximately in 7a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Prestonsburg, KY?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 1). For Prestonsburg, that's roughly March 6 to March 20. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Pikeville, KY 41501 (17.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Salyersville, KY 41465 (18.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Louisa, KY 41230 (28.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Jackson, KY 41339 (30.2 mi)
- Frost dates for West Liberty, KY 41472 (31.7 mi)
- When to plant in KY
- When to plant Peppers in KY
- When to plant Cucumbers in KY
- When to plant Zucchini in KY
- When to plant Butternut Squash in KY
- When to plant Basil in KY
- When to plant Sweet Corn in KY
- Look up another ZIP