When to plant Watercress in Coffey County County,
Plant Watercress in Coffey County County after April 11; the prime window is March 28–April 18. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Watercress in Coffey County, KS
June in the garden — Coffey County, Kansas
Your Coffey County, Kansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for watercress
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Coffey County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 466 feet, Coffey County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season.
Coffey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Watercress Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Coffey County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.7) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Coffey County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Watercress Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Watercress
Watercress needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watercress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Coffey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watercress Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Watercress Planting Timeline — Coffey County, KS
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Coffey County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Coffey County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after April 11 in Coffey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 196.0-day season in Coffey County allows multiple plantings of Watercress. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Watercress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Coffey County, KS?
Coffey County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coffey County, KS?
Coffey County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Watercress in Coffey County County, ?
In Coffey County County, , plant Watercress after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Coffey County County, for Watercress?
Coffey County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Watercress grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Watercress grow in Coffey County County's climate?
Yes — Watercress grows well in Coffey County County's temperate climate. Coffey County County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 24.
Your Coffey County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Coffey County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.