When to Plant Escarole in Broadwater County, MT
Your April planting checklist for Broadwater County, Montana
Your Broadwater County, Montana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
A few tasks this April that'll pay off in May
- Transplants going out: escarole
- Direct-sowing: escarole
Escarole is a broad-leaved endive with slightly bitter, sturdy leaves. The outer leaves are more bitter while the blanched heart is tender and mild.
Broadwater County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 7,806 feet, Broadwater County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Escarole to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Escarole successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Broadwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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 Broadwater County
How your county's soil matches Escarole's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.1) is more alkaline than Escarole prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Broadwater County is excellent for Escarole — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Escarole.
How to Plant Escarole
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Escarole
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Escarole
Escarole needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Escarole Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Broadwater County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Escarole 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.
Escarole Planting Timeline — Broadwater County, MT
Escarole Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Broadwater County
Growing Tips for Escarole in Broadwater County
Direct sow Escarole outdoors after May 20 in Broadwater County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Escarole in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Broadwater County receives only 17" of rain annually. Escarole needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or late summer. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves together or covering with a pot for 2 weeks before harvest. Excellent braised or in soups.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Escarole in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Escarole in Broadwater County, MT?
Broadwater County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Escarole planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Broadwater County, MT?
Broadwater County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.
Your Broadwater County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Broadwater County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.