When to Plant Cress in Hardin 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.
Hardin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 1,464 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cress Planting Timeline — Hardin County, KY
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Harvest | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
211 days
Growing Tips for Hardin 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 Hardin County, KY?
Hardin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, KY?
Hardin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hardin County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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