Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 30, 2026

Planting zone for 42036 — Dexter, KY

ZIP code 42036 (Dexter, Calloway County) is in USDA zone 7b: the coldest winter night averages 5 to 10 °F. The median last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost November 4.

Where ZIP 42036 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone7b5 to 10 °F

Coldest night−15 to −12.2 °C

Last frostMar 30

First frostNov 4

2012 zone7a

Was 7a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 7b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Dexter, KY…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Dexter, KY

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 30median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 16only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 4median — 10% chance by Oct 23

Growing season221 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 16 and returns around November 16.

From the NOAA station Kenlake Resort, KY — 6 miles away, elevation 486 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 42036

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 16 – Mar 9

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 19 – Feb 2

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 9 – Mar 23

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 9 – Mar 23

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 9 – Mar 23

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 2 – Feb 16

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 19 – Feb 2

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 13 – Apr 27

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 6 – Apr 20

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 9 – Sep 23

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 21 – Nov 25

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 30) and first fall frost (Nov 4) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 42036 came on Feb 25 — 4 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 1).

average
Mar 12026
Feb 25

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 7b in Kentucky

552 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Kentucky, and rated by the USDA to survive 5 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 7b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Dexter, KY.

Soil in Dexter, KY

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 42036 is Purchase — silt loam, moderately well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.0slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Purchase-Lax-Brandon complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 42036; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Dexter, KY

Summer high90 °Faverage high, July

Winter low27 °Faverage low, January

Hot days51days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights76nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days4,786base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 41 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 39 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation55.8 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Kenlake Resort, KY (6 mi away); precipitation: Kenlake Resort, KY (6 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

New Concord, KY · 12 mi

420497b

Hazel, KY · 14 mi

420447a

Gilbertsville, KY · 17 mi

Kentucky planting zones →

Questions about 42036

What planting zone is ZIP code 42036?

ZIP code 42036 (Dexter, KY) is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 5 to 10 °F (−15 to −12.2 °C).

When is the last frost in Dexter, KY?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 42036 is March 30; after April 16 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kenlake Resort station.

When is the first frost in Dexter, KY?

The median first fall frost near 42036 is November 4, giving a median frost-free growing season of 221 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 42036?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 2 – Feb 16 and set transplants outside around Apr 6 – Apr 20, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 42036 get?

About 55.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kenlake Resort station).

How hot do summers get in Dexter, KY?

The average high peaks at 90 °F in July, with about 51 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 42036 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Purchase at the center of ZIP 42036: silt loam, moderately well drained, pH about 6.0 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Dexter, KY in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 42036 came on Feb 25 in 2026, 4 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 1), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Dexter, KY?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 42036 is 14 h 41 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 42036 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 42036 in zone 7a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 7b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.