When to Plant Cress in Tehama County, CA
Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.
Tehama County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 78 feet, Tehama County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Tehama County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Tehama County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Cress prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tehama County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cress.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Nov 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 19.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 10.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tehama County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress 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.
Cress Planting Timeline — Tehama County, CA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Fall Sowing | September 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Tehama County
Growing Tips for Cress in Tehama County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after March 06 in Tehama County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 267.0-day season in Tehama County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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