When to plant Kale in Jersey County, IL
Jersey County gardeners should plant Kale between March 28 and April 18 in spring. With Jersey County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 11), Kale needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 12 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Jersey County, IL
July to-do list for Jersey County, Illinois
A quick July briefing for Jersey County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start harvesting kale
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: kale
- Fall sowing: 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.
Jersey County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,202 feet, Jersey County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Jersey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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 Jersey County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.2) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jersey County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Kale will thrive.
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 Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Kale Water Budget
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jersey 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 — Jersey County, IL
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Jersey County
Growing Tips for Kale in Jersey County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 11 in Jersey 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 Jersey County, IL?
Jersey County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jersey County, IL?
Jersey County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Kale in Jersey County, IL?
In Jersey County, IL, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jersey County, IL for Kale?
Jersey 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 Jersey County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Jersey County's temperate climate. Jersey County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 21.
Your Jersey County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jersey 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.