When to plant Kale in Clay County, IA
Clay County gardeners should plant Kale between April 10 and May 1 in spring. With Clay County's Zone 5a climate (last frost April 24), Kale needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 2 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Clay County, IA
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.
Clay County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 984 feet, Clay County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Timeline — Clay County, IA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, IA?
Clay County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, IA?
Clay County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Kale in Clay County, IA?
In Clay County, IA, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, IA for Kale?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.