When to plant Cress in Baldwin County, GA
Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Plant Cress between March 9 (after last frost on March 23) and March 30. A second sowing from August 30 to September 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Baldwin County, GA
This month in Baldwin County, Georgia
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Baldwin County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 421 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 59 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cress, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Baldwin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
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 Baldwin County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Baldwin County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 30.
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin 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 — Baldwin County, GA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Baldwin County
Growing Tips for Cress in Baldwin County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after March 23 in Baldwin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Baldwin County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cress. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 230.0-day season in Baldwin 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 Baldwin County, GA?
Baldwin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baldwin County, GA?
Baldwin County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 8.
When should I plant Cress in Baldwin County, GA?
In Baldwin County, GA, plant Cress after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baldwin County, GA for Cress?
Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Baldwin County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 230-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 8.
Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.