When to Plant Cress in Barren County, KY
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.
Barren County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 2,292 feet, Barren County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Barren County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 — Barren County, KY
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
202 days
Growing Tips for Barren 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 Barren County, KY?
Barren County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barren County, KY?
Barren County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Barren County gardeners in Zone 6b 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.