When to Plant Broccoli in Covington County, MS
What to do in May
Your Covington County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for broccoli
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June 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.
Covington County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Covington County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Broccoli, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Covington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
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 Covington County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.2) is more acidic than Broccoli prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Covington County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.
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 Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
Plant 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Covington 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 — Covington County, MS
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Covington County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Covington County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after March 12 in Covington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Covington County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Broccoli. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Covington County reach 97°F — grow Broccoli as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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.
Recommended Broccoli Varieties for Covington County
Heat-tolerant broccoli — plant as early spring or fall crop
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 Covington County, MS?
Covington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Covington County, MS?
Covington County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Covington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Covington County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.