5 Gardening Tips to Kickstart Spring in Kentucky

1. Start Seeds Indoors (But Don’t Rush ‘Em Outside!)

Kentucky’s spring can be a little moody—one day, you’re sipping lemonade on the porch, and the next, you’re scraping frost off your windshield. To get ahead of the season, start your seeds indoors for crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.

• Use a sunny windowsill or a grow light to keep seedlings warm and thriving.

• Wait until after Derby Day (early May) to plant warm-weather crops outside—Kentucky’s last frost can sneak up on you!

2. Prep That Soil Like Grandma’s Biscuit Dough

Good soil is the secret to a thriving garden. After a long winter, your soil needs a little love before planting.

• Mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.

• If you didn’t do a soil test last fall, grab one from your local extension office to check pH levels. Most veggies like a pH of 6.0-7.0.

• If your soil is heavy clay (which is common in Kentucky), work in some organic matter like peat moss or sand to improve drainage.

3. Plant Your Cool-Weather Crops First

Before you get too excited about tomatoes and melons, focus on hardy spring crops. March and early April are prime time for planting cold-loving veggies like:

• Lettuce, spinach, and kale

• Carrots and radishes

• Peas and onions

• Broccoli and cabbage

These crops can handle a little chill and will give you fresh produce before summer even hits.

4. Mulch Early to Keep Weeds at Bay

Weeds are like that one nosy neighbor—they show up uninvited and take over if you don’t handle them early. Before they get a chance to sprout, lay down a thick layer of mulch around your plants.

• Use straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips to keep moisture in and weeds out.

• If you’re planting in rows, lay down cardboard or newspaper between them to smother weeds before they start.

• Bonus: Mulch also helps keep that crazy Kentucky spring weather from drying out your soil too fast!

5. Watch for Late Frost & Be Ready to Cover Up

Just when you think you’re in the clear, Kentucky likes to throw in a sneaky late frost—especially in April. Keep an eye on the forecast, and have some protection ready for tender plants.

• Old blankets, bed sheets, or frost cloths work great for covering plants overnight.

• If a frost warning pops up, water your plants before sunset—moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.

• Use overturned buckets or plastic jugs to protect small seedlings from unexpected cold snaps.

Final Thoughts

Spring is one of the best times to be a gardener in Kentucky—everything is waking up, the days are getting longer, and fresh food is just around the corner. With a little patience, preparation, and a whole lot of love, your garden will be thriving before you know it.