When to Plant Kale in Lincoln Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Lincoln Parish, Louisiana
A quick May briefing for Lincoln Parish, Louisiana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Bring in the kale
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: kale
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.
Lincoln Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Lincoln Parish receives approximately 61.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Lincoln Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Lincoln Parish
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln Parish is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 27.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lincoln Parish). 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 — Lincoln Parish, LA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Lincoln Parish
Growing Tips for Kale in Lincoln Parish
Direct sow Kale outdoors after March 22 in Lincoln Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Lincoln Parish reach 97°F — grow Kale as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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 Lincoln Parish, LA?
Lincoln Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln Parish, LA?
Lincoln Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Lincoln Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.