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When to plant Cress in Calloway County, KY

The best window to plant Cress in Calloway County, is March 22–April 12, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 5; first frost October 29. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cress in Calloway County, KY

Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.

Calloway County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.

At an elevation of 2,755 feet, Calloway County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.

Calloway County, KY (Zone 7b) Long season
207 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
207 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Calloway County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cress

Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cress Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Calloway County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cress Planting Timeline — Calloway County, KY

Cress Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 15
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Direct Sow March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 12
Harvest April 19 Apr 19 – May 10
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

14–21 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

207 days in Calloway County

Growing Tips for Calloway County

Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cress in Calloway County, KY?

Calloway County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calloway County, KY?

Calloway County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Cress in Calloway County, KY?

In Calloway County, KY, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Calloway County, KY for Cress?

Calloway County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cress grow in Calloway County's climate?

Yes — Cress grows well in Calloway County's temperate climate. Calloway County averages a 207-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 29.

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Your Calloway County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Calloway County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calloway County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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