When to plant Broccoli in Clay County, IN
For Broccoli in Clay County, the safe spring window opens around April 4 and closes around April 25. Last expected frost is April 18, first fall frost October 17, giving a 182-day growing season. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Clay County, IN
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Clay County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 886 feet, Clay County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Clay County's 182-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Clay County, IN
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Clay County, IN?
Clay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, IN?
Clay County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Broccoli in Clay County, IN?
In Clay County, IN, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, IN for Broccoli?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay 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.