When to Plant Collard Greens in Bathurst, NB
Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.
Bathurst, New Brunswick is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 131 feet, Bathurst receives approximately 27.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly gray-brown podzol soil. Summer highs average 73°F, so choose short-season varieties of Collard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.
Bathurst Soil Profile
Soil Type
Gray-Brown Podzol
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bathurst). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Collard Greens Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Bathurst, NB
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Bathurst
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Bathurst
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Bathurst, NB?
Bathurst is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bathurst, NB?
Bathurst, New Brunswick is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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