When to plant Kale in Webster County, IA
Webster County's climate puts the Kale spring window between April 14 and May 5. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Webster 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.
Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,065 feet, Webster County receives approximately 30.2 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.
Webster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Webster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Planting Timeline — Webster County, IA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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 | Fall Sowing 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
161 days in Webster County
Growing Tips for Webster 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 Webster County, IA?
Webster County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Webster County, IA?
Webster County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Kale in Webster County, IA?
In Webster County, IA, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Webster County, IA for Kale?
Webster 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 Webster County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Webster County's temperate climate. Webster County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 6.
Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Webster 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.