When to plant Kale in Steele County, MN
Steele County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Plant Kale between April 21 (after last frost on April 28) and May 12. A second sowing from July 15 to July 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Steele County, MN
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.
Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Steele County receives approximately 37.8 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.
Steele County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Timeline — Steele County, MN
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Steele County
Growing Tips for Steele County
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 Steele County, MN?
Steele County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Steele County, MN?
Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Kale in Steele County, MN?
In Steele County, MN, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Steele County, MN for Kale?
Steele County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Steele County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Steele County's temperate climate. Steele County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.
Your Steele County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Steele County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.