When to plant Cress in DeWitt County, IL
Plant Cress in DeWitt County after April 15; the prime window is April 1–April 22. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in DeWitt 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.
DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
DeWitt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cress Planting Timeline — DeWitt County, IL
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in DeWitt County
Growing Tips for DeWitt 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 DeWitt County, IL?
DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?
DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Cress in DeWitt County, IL?
In DeWitt County, IL, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Cress?
DeWitt County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in DeWitt County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.