When to plant Broccoli in Houston County, MN
The best window to plant Broccoli in Houston County, is April 19–May 10, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 3; first frost October 6. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Broccoli in Houston County, MN
Top priorities for Houston County, Minnesota gardeners in July
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Houston County, Minnesota this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: broccoli
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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Plant your fall garden: broccoli
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 558 feet, Houston County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Houston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Broccoli 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 Houston County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Broccoli's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Houston County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Broccoli will thrive.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
Broccoli Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Houston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli 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.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Houston County, MN
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Houston County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Houston County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after May 03 in Houston County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Broccoli 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 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Houston County, MN?
Houston County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Houston County, MN?
Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Broccoli in Houston County, MN?
In Houston County, MN, plant Broccoli after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Houston County, MN for Broccoli?
Houston County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Broccoli grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Broccoli grow in Houston County's climate?
Yes — Broccoli grows well in Houston County's temperate climate. Houston County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Houston 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.