When to Plant Cress in Camden County, NJ
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.
Camden County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 561 feet, Camden County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Camden County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
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 — Camden County, NJ
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
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 | — |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
221 days
Growing Tips for Camden 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 Camden County, NJ?
Camden County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Camden County, NJ?
Camden County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Camden County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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