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When to Plant Kale in Sheridan County, WY

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.

Sheridan County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.

At an elevation of 5,266 feet, Sheridan County receives approximately 14.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Sheridan County, WY (Zone 4a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Sheridan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 29 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 30

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
0.5″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,048 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Kale needs ~690 GDD — county provides 1,414 GDD Excellent fit

Kale Planting Timeline โ€” Sheridan County, WY

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3
Direct Sow May 13 May 13 โ€“ Jun 3
Fall Sowing June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Jul 12
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Sep 9

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 4a

Growing Season

123 days

Growing Tips for Sheridan County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) โ€” they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Sheridan County, WY?

Sheridan County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sheridan County, WY?

Sheridan County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sheridan County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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