When to plant Cress in Morgan County, IL
Plant Cress in Morgan County after April 14; the prime window is March 31–April 21. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Morgan 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.
Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 1,348 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cress Planting Timeline — Morgan County, IL
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| 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 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Morgan 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 Morgan County, IL?
Morgan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, IL?
Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Cress in Morgan County, IL?
In Morgan County, IL, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morgan County, IL for Cress?
Morgan 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 Morgan County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan 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.