When to plant Cress in Chatham County, GA
Chatham County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Plant Cress between February 12 (after last frost on March 5) and March 5. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Chatham County, GA
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.
Chatham 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 398 feet, Chatham County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Chatham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cress Planting Timeline — Chatham County, GA
Cress 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 | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
263 days in Chatham County
Growing Tips for Chatham County
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 Chatham County, GA?
Chatham County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chatham County, GA?
Chatham 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 Cress in Chatham County, GA?
In Chatham County, GA, plant Cress 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 Chatham County, GA for Cress?
Chatham County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Chatham County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Chatham County's temperate climate. Chatham County averages a 263-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 23.
Your Chatham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chatham 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.