When to plant Kale in Saline County, IL
Plant Kale in Saline County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 25. Continue planting through April 15 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Saline County, IL
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.
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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 |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Saline County
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 Saline County, IL?
Saline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, IL?
Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Kale in Saline County, IL?
In Saline County, IL, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saline County, IL for Kale?
Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Saline County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 24.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.