When to plant Cress in Cascade County, MT
Cascade County gardeners should plant Cress between May 12 and June 2 in spring. With Cascade County's Zone 4b climate (last frost May 19), Cress needs 14–21 days to mature — plant by August 31 for a full harvest. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Cascade County, MT
Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.
Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 6,585 feet, Cascade County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Cascade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Cascade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Planting Timeline — Cascade County, MT
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
125 days in Cascade County
Growing Tips for Cascade County
Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Cascade County, MT?
Cascade County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cascade County, MT?
Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Cress in Cascade County, MT?
In Cascade County, MT, plant Cress after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cascade County, MT for Cress?
Cascade County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cress grow in Cascade County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Cascade County's temperate climate. Cascade County averages a 125-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around September 21.
Your Cascade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cascade County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.