When to plant Kale in Howell County, MO
Aim to plant Kale in Howell County on or after March 26; the window stays open through April 16. Howell County's 199-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Howell County, MO
Your June game plan for Howell County, Missouri
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Howell County, Missouri.
-
Basket week: kale
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July 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.
Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 696 feet, Howell County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Howell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale 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 Howell County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.6) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Howell County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Kale Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Howell 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 — Howell County, MO
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Howell County
Growing Tips for Kale in Howell County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 09 in Howell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Howell County, MO?
Howell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howell County, MO?
Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Kale in Howell County, MO?
In Howell County, MO, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howell County, MO for Kale?
Howell County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kale grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kale grow in Howell County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Howell County's temperate climate. Howell County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Howell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howell County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.