When to Plant Cress in Forsyth County, GA
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.
Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 59 feet, Forsyth County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cress, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Forsyth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Forsyth County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Forsyth County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 Oct 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
Plant Water Budget
Cress Planting Timeline — Forsyth County, GA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Harvest | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Forsyth County
Growing Tips for Cress in Forsyth County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after March 22 in Forsyth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Forsyth County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cress. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 236.0-day season in Forsyth 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Forsyth County, GA?
Forsyth County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Forsyth County, GA?
Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Forsyth County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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