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When to plant Cress in Wayne County, KY

Wayne County gardeners should plant Cress between April 4 and April 25 in spring. With Wayne County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 18), Cress needs 14–21 days to mature — plant by September 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cress in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 3,122 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.

Wayne County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cress Planting Timeline — Wayne County, KY

Cress Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest May 2 May 2 – May 23
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April 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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

14–21 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cress in Wayne County, KY?

Wayne County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, KY?

Wayne County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Cress in Wayne County, KY?

In Wayne County, KY, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wayne County, KY for Cress?

Wayne 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 Wayne County's climate?

Yes — Cress grows well in Wayne County's temperate climate. Wayne County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 20.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne 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.

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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 Wayne County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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