When to Plant Kale in Calhoun County, IA
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Calhoun County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Calhoun County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Kale will thrive.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
Plant Water Budget
Kale Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Kale in Calhoun County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 25 in Calhoun County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Calhoun County, IA?
Calhoun County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, IA?
Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Calhoun County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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