When to Plant Watercress in Pemiscot County, MO
Pemiscot County, Missouri gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Pemiscot County, Missouri this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start watercress indoors
You're about 25 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Collect watercress at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: watercress
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Pemiscot County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 553 feet, Pemiscot County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season.
Pemiscot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Pemiscot County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) is more acidic than Watercress prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pemiscot County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Watercress
Watercress needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watercress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Pemiscot County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watercress 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.
Watercress Planting Timeline — Pemiscot County, MO
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" 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 | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Pemiscot County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Pemiscot County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after March 30 in Pemiscot County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 215.0-day season in Pemiscot County allows multiple plantings of Watercress. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Watercress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Pemiscot County, MO?
Pemiscot County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pemiscot County, MO?
Pemiscot County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Pemiscot County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pemiscot County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.