When to Plant Tatsoi in West Carroll Parish, LA
May in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana — your action list
Your garden in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Basket week: tatsoi
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Tatsoi is a compact Asian green forming beautiful rosettes of dark, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild mustard flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and versatile.
West Carroll Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, West Carroll Parish receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Tatsoi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tatsoi root diseases.
West 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 West Carroll Parish
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Tatsoi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in West Carroll Parish is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Tatsoi.
How to Plant Tatsoi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Tatsoi
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tatsoi
Tatsoi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tatsoi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in West Carroll Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tatsoi 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.
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — West Carroll Parish, LA
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 18 |
| Harvest | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in West Carroll Parish
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in West Carroll Parish
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after March 11 in West Carroll Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in West Carroll Parish, provide afternoon shade for Tatsoi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 247.0-day season in West Carroll Parish allows multiple plantings of Tatsoi. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Tatsoi 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 in spring or fall. Tatsoi tolerates frost down to 15F. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole rosettes. Excellent in salads, stir-fries, or lightly wilted.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in West Carroll Parish, LA?
West Carroll Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is West Carroll Parish, LA?
West Carroll Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your West Carroll Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for West 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.