When to Plant Kale in Tate County, MS
May to-do list for Tate County, Mississippi
May is a pivotal month for Tate County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: kale
These need a head start before your last frost (March 27). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Start harvesting kale
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: kale
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.
Tate County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 374 feet, Tate County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kale, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Tate County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Tate County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tate County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kale.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Tate County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale 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.
Kale Planting Timeline — Tate County, MS
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Tate County
Growing Tips for Kale in Tate County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after March 27 in Tate County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Tate County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Kale. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Tate County, MS?
Tate County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tate County, MS?
Tate County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Tate County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tate County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.