When to plant Cress in Calhoun County, IL
Calhoun County's climate puts the Cress spring window between March 30 and April 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Calhoun County, IL
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.
Calhoun County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 731 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Calhoun County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IL
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, IL?
Calhoun County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, IL?
Calhoun County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Cress in Calhoun County, IL?
In Calhoun County, IL, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Calhoun County, IL for Cress?
Calhoun County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Calhoun County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Calhoun County's temperate climate. Calhoun County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.
Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun 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.