When to Plant Cress in Cleveland County, AR
May to-do list for Cleveland County, Arkansas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Cleveland County, Arkansas.
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.
Cleveland County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.
At an elevation of 370 feet, Cleveland County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Cleveland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Cleveland County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cleveland County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Oct 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cleveland 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 — Cleveland County, AR
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
234 days in Cleveland County
Growing Tips for Cress in Cleveland County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after March 17 in Cleveland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 234.0-day season in Cleveland 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 Cleveland County, AR?
Cleveland County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cleveland County, AR?
Cleveland County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Cleveland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cleveland 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.