When to Plant Collard Greens in East Carroll Parish, LA
Your May gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to East Carroll Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting collard greens
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: collard greens
Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.
East Carroll Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 55 feet, East Carroll Parish receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Collard Greens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Collard Greens root diseases.
East Carroll Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 East Carroll Parish
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Collard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in East Carroll Parish is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Collard Greens.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens 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 | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in East Carroll Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Collard Greens 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.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — East Carroll Parish, LA
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
252 days in East Carroll Parish
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in East Carroll Parish
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after March 09 in East Carroll Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in East Carroll Parish, provide afternoon shade for Collard Greens and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in East Carroll Parish, LA?
East Carroll Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is East Carroll Parish, LA?
East Carroll Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your East Carroll Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for East Carroll Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.