When to plant Cress in Mobile County, AL
In Mobile County, plant Cress in spring between February 10 and March 3, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Mobile County's last frost averages March 3, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between September 29 and October 13 — roughly 14–21 days before the first frost on November 24.
When to Plant Cress in Mobile County, AL
Your July gardening checklist
Your garden in Mobile County, Alabama is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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.
Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 101 feet, Mobile County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cress may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Mobile County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Cress 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 Mobile County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.1) is more acidic than Cress prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Mobile County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cress will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cress.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Nov 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 29.
Cress Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mobile County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cress Planting Timeline — Mobile County, AL
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 29 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Mobile County
Growing Tips for Cress in Mobile County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after March 03 in Mobile County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Mobile County dries quickly — mulch Cress with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Mobile County, provide afternoon shade for Cress and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 266.0-day season in Mobile 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Mobile County, AL?
Mobile County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mobile County, AL?
Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
When should I plant Cress in Mobile County, AL?
In Mobile County, AL, plant Cress after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mobile County, AL for Cress?
Mobile County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Mobile County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Mobile County's temperate climate. Mobile County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.
Your Mobile County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mobile County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.