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When to plant Kale in Wayne County, MS

Aim to plant Kale in Wayne County on or after March 2; the window stays open through March 23. Wayne County's 242-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Kale in Wayne County, MS

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.

Wayne County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.

At an elevation of 153 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Wayne County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
242 days
Last Spring Frost March 16
242 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kale Planting Timeline — Wayne County, MS

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Direct Sow March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 23
Harvest May 11 May 11 – Jul 6
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

242 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne 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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Wayne County, MS?

Wayne County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, MS?

Wayne County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Kale in Wayne County, MS?

In Wayne County, MS, plant Kale after the last frost (around March 16) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wayne County, MS for Kale?

Wayne County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kale grow in Wayne County's climate?

Yes — Kale grows well in Wayne County's temperate climate. Wayne County averages a 242-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 16 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wayne County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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