When to plant Cress in Knott County, KY
Aim to plant Cress in Knott County on or after April 9; the window stays open through April 30. Knott County's 178-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Knott County, KY
This month in Knott County, Kentucky
August is a pivotal month for Knott County, Kentucky gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Get cress in for a late-season harvest
Your first frost is about 9 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
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.
Knott County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 2,201 feet, Knott County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Knott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Cress 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 Knott County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Knott County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cress.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Cress Water Budget
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Knott County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress 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.
Cress Planting Timeline — Knott County, KY
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Knott County
Growing Tips for Cress in Knott County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after April 23 in Knott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 178.0-day season in Knott County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Knott County, KY?
Knott County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Knott County, KY?
Knott County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Cress in Knott County, KY?
In Knott County, KY, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Knott County, KY for Cress?
Knott County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Knott County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Knott County's temperate climate. Knott County averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 18.
Your Knott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Knott County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.