When to Plant Kale in Fremont County, CO
May to-do list for Fremont County, Colorado
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Transplant kale outside
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Sow kale where they'll grow
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Fremont County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 6,575 feet, Fremont County receives approximately 18.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fremont County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 Fremont County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fremont County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 17.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Fremont 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 — Fremont County, CO
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
125 days in Fremont County
Growing Tips for Kale in Fremont County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after May 23 in Fremont 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.
Recommended Kale Varieties for Fremont County
Cold-hardy kale that improves in flavor after frost
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 Fremont County, CO?
Fremont County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fremont County, CO?
Fremont County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 25.
Your Fremont County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fremont County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.