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When to Plant Cress in Magoffin 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.

Magoffin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 2,020 feet, Magoffin County receives approximately 44.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.

Magoffin County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Magoffin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – May 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (156 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – May 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jun 4

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 22 gal / 100 sq ft
Cress needs ~319 GDD — county provides 3,485 GDD Excellent fit

Cress Planting Timeline โ€” Magoffin County, KY

Cress Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 โ€“ Aug 31
Harvest May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 23

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 2" apart ยท Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

14โ€“21 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for Magoffin 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cress in Magoffin County, KY?

Magoffin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Magoffin County, KY?

Magoffin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Magoffin County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Magoffin County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.