When to Plant Cress in Hancock 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.
Hancock County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,790 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°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.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 — Hancock County, KY
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Harvest | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
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
207 days
Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, KY?
Hancock County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, KY?
Hancock County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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