When to Plant Cress in Linn County, OR
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.
Linn County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 259 feet, Linn County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Linn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Linn County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is more acidic than Cress prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Linn County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Cress will thrive.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Plant Water Budget
Cress Planting Timeline — Linn County, OR
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Linn County
Growing Tips for Cress in Linn County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after April 22 in Linn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 186.0-day season in Linn County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Linn County, OR?
Linn County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Linn County, OR?
Linn County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Linn County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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