When to Plant Cress in Jackson 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.
Jackson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 225 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Cress Planting Timeline — Jackson County, GA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
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 Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
14–21 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
229 days
Growing Tips for Jackson County
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 Jackson County, GA?
Jackson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, GA?
Jackson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.