When to plant Cress in Wadena County, MN
In Wadena County, plant Cress in spring between May 6 and May 27, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Wadena County's last frost averages May 13, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 5 and July 19 — roughly 14–21 days before the first frost on September 27.
When to Plant Cress in Wadena County, MN
Top priorities for Wadena County, Minnesota gardeners in June
A quick June briefing for Wadena County, Minnesota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Time to start cress inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Basket week: cress
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to July
- Fall sowing: cress
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.
Wadena County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,320 feet, Wadena County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Wadena County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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 Wadena County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.3) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wadena County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wadena 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 — Wadena County, MN
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Wadena County
Growing Tips for Cress in Wadena County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after May 13 in Wadena County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 137.0-day season in Wadena 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 Wadena County, MN?
Wadena County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wadena County, MN?
Wadena County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Cress in Wadena County, MN?
In Wadena County, MN, plant Cress after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wadena County, MN for Cress?
Wadena County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Wadena County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Wadena County's temperate climate. Wadena County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 27.
Your Wadena County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wadena County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.