When to plant Kale in Ozark County, MO
Spring Kale in Ozark County goes in March 26–April 16, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Kale in Ozark County, MO
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for Ozark County, Missouri gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Bring in the kale
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Ozark County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 1,321 feet, Ozark County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Ozark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 Ozark County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) is more acidic than Kale prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ozark County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ozark 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 — Ozark 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 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Ozark County
Growing Tips for Kale in Ozark County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 09 in Ozark 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 Ozark County, MO?
Ozark 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 Ozark County, MO?
Ozark County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Kale in Ozark County, MO?
In Ozark County, MO, plant Kale after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ozark County, MO for Kale?
Ozark 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 Ozark County's climate?
Yes — Kale grows well in Ozark County's temperate climate. Ozark County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.
Your Ozark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ozark 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.