When to Plant Kale in Fallon County, MT
This month in Fallon County, Montana
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Fallon County, Montana.
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Move kale from tray to bed
Your last frost (May 20) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Seed kale outdoors
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Fall sowing: 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.
Fallon County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. 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 6,441 feet, Fallon County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fallon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.3
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 Fallon County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–8.3) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fallon County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 28.
Plant 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Fallon 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 — Fallon County, MT
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 |
| Fall Sowing | June 28 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" 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 |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Fallon County
Growing Tips for Kale in Fallon County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after May 20 in Fallon 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.
Recommended Kale Varieties for Fallon County
Cold-hardy kale that improves in flavor after frost
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 Fallon County, MT?
Fallon County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fallon County, MT?
Fallon County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 20.
Your Fallon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fallon 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.