When to Plant Cress in Apache County, AZ
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.
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cress successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Apache County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.7
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 Apache County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.7) is more alkaline than Cress prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Apache 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 low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cress.
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 Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache 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 — Apache County, AZ
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Apache County
Growing Tips for Cress in Apache County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after May 20 in Apache County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Apache County dries quickly — mulch Cress with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 143.0-day season in Apache 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.
Apache County receives only 9" of rain annually. Cress needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Apache County, AZ?
Apache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?
Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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