When to Plant Cress in Middlesex 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.
Middlesex County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 947 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Middlesex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 — Middlesex County, NJ
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
228 days
Growing Tips for Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, NJ?
Middlesex County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Middlesex County, NJ?
Middlesex County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Middlesex County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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