When to Plant Kale in Cross County, AR
May in the garden — Cross County, Arkansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Cross County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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It's harvest week for kale
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: 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.
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, Cross County receives approximately 53.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Cross County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Cross County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cross County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kale.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cross County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale 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.
Kale Planting Timeline — Cross County, AR
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
233 days in Cross County
Growing Tips for Kale in Cross County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after March 19 in Cross County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Cross County, AR?
Cross County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cross County, AR?
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Cross County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cross 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.