When to plant Cress in Marshall County, MN
Marshall County's climate puts the Cress spring window between May 4 and May 25. be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. A second sowing from July 10 to July 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Marshall County, MN
July in Marshall County, Minnesota — your action list
A quick July briefing for Marshall County, Minnesota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Sow cress for an autumn harvest
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.
Marshall County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 1,303 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Cress 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 Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.3) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marshall County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Cress will thrive.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 10.
Cress Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Marshall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress 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.
Cress Planting Timeline — Marshall County, MN
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Cress in Marshall County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after May 11 in Marshall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 144.0-day season in Marshall County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Marshall County, MN?
Marshall County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marshall County, MN?
Marshall County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Cress in Marshall County, MN?
In Marshall County, MN, plant Cress after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marshall County, MN for Cress?
Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Marshall County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 144-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 2.
Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.