When to plant Kale in Lyon County, KS
The best window to plant Kale in Lyon County, is March 29–April 19, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 12; first frost October 25. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Lyon County, KS
This month in Lyon County, Kansas
Welcome to August in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harvest kale as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Start your fall crops: kale
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
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.
Lyon County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 629 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale 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 Lyon County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) is within Kale's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lyon County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Kale will thrive.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Kale Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lyon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale 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.
Kale Planting Timeline — Lyon County, KS
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
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 Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Kale in Lyon County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 12 in Lyon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Lyon County, KS?
Lyon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, KS?
Lyon County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Kale in Lyon County, KS?
In Lyon County, KS, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lyon County, KS for Kale?
Lyon County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Lyon County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Lyon County's temperate climate. Lyon County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 25.
Your Lyon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lyon 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.