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When to plant Kale in Limestone County, AL

For Kale in Limestone County, the safe spring window opens around March 22 and closes around April 12. Last expected frost is April 5, first fall frost October 29, giving a 207-day growing season. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Limestone County, AL

Kale

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.

Limestone County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 200 feet, Limestone County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kale, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.

Limestone County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Limestone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kale Planting Timeline — Limestone County, AL

Kale 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
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Jul 26
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Limestone County

Growing Tips for Limestone 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 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 35°F, under 50% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Limestone County, AL?

Limestone County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Limestone County, AL?

Limestone County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Kale in Limestone County, AL?

In Limestone County, AL, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Limestone County, AL for Kale?

Limestone County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Limestone County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Limestone County's temperate climate. Limestone County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Limestone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Limestone County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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