When to plant Watercress in Somerset County County,
Aim to plant Watercress in Somerset County County on or after May 8; the window stays open through May 29. Somerset County County's 127-day frost-free season gives you just enough for one full spring planting. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Watercress in Somerset County, ME
Your June gardening checklist
Your garden in Somerset County, Maine is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Start watercress under lights
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: watercress
- Fall sowing: watercress
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 356 feet, Somerset County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Watercress to ensure they mature before fall.
Somerset County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Watercress 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 Somerset County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.4) is more acidic than Watercress prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Somerset County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Watercress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 18.
Watercress Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Watercress
Watercress needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watercress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Somerset County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watercress 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.
Watercress Planting Timeline — Somerset County, ME
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
127 days in Somerset County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Somerset County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after May 22 in Somerset County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Watercress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Somerset County, ME?
Somerset County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Somerset County, ME?
Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 26.
When should I plant Watercress in Somerset County County, ?
In Somerset County County, , plant Watercress after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Somerset County County, for Watercress?
Somerset County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Watercress grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Watercress grow in Somerset County County's climate?
Yes — Watercress grows well in Somerset County County's temperate climate. Somerset County County averages a 127-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 26.
Your Somerset County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Somerset County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.