When to plant Kale in Bonner County, ID
The best window to plant Kale in Bonner County, is April 21–May 12, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 5; first frost October 3. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Bonner County, ID
Your July gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Bonner County, Idaho this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Collect kale at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Plant your fall garden: kale
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 7,480 feet, Bonner County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Bonner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale 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 Bonner County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bonner County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Kale 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.9" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bonner 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 — Bonner County, ID
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Bonner County
Growing Tips for Kale in Bonner County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after May 05 in Bonner 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 Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Kale in Bonner County, ID?
In Bonner County, ID, plant Kale after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bonner County, ID for Kale?
Bonner County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Bonner County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Bonner County's temperate climate. Bonner County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 3.
Your Bonner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bonner County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.