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When to plant Kale in Berrien County, GA

Kale planted in Berrien County between February 12 and March 5 matures in 50–70 days — well before the November 23 first frost. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Berrien County, GA

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.

Berrien County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.

At an elevation of 251 feet, Berrien County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kale, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.

Berrien County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
263 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
263 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Berrien County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kale

Kale needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Kale Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Berrien County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kale Planting Timeline — Berrien County, GA

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 5
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 – Jun 25
Fall Sowing September 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

263 days in Berrien County

Growing Tips for Berrien County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Berrien County, GA?

Berrien County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Berrien County, GA?

Berrien County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 23.

When should I plant Kale in Berrien County, GA?

In Berrien County, GA, plant Kale after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Berrien County, GA for Kale?

Berrien County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Berrien County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Berrien County's temperate climate. Berrien County averages a 263-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 23.

🌱

Your Berrien County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Berrien County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Berrien County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.