When to Plant Kale in Presque Isle County, MI
Top priorities for Presque Isle County, Michigan gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Presque Isle County, Michigan this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Move kale from tray to bed
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Scatter kale into prepared beds
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: 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.
Presque Isle County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 1,392 feet, Presque Isle County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Presque Isle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt 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 Presque Isle County
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 silt loam soil in Presque Isle County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). 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 Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 31.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Presque Isle County). 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 — Presque Isle County, MI
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Presque Isle County
Growing Tips for Kale in Presque Isle County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after May 17 in Presque Isle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Presque Isle County, MI?
Presque Isle County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Presque Isle County, MI?
Presque Isle County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Presque Isle County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Presque Isle 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.