When to plant Collard Greens in Sheridan County County,
Spring Collard Greens in Sheridan County County goes in May 10–May 31, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from June 26 to July 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Collard Greens in Sheridan County, MT
This month in Sheridan County, Montana
Each item below is timed to Sheridan County, Montana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start collard greens under lights
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Direct-sow collard greens for cool weather
Your first frost is about 14 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: collard greens
Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.
Sheridan County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.
At an elevation of 8,209 feet, Sheridan County receives approximately 16.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Collard Greens to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Collard Greens successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Sheridan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Collard Greens 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 Sheridan County
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) is more alkaline than Collard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sheridan County is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Collard Greens.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 26.
Collard Greens Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens 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 | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Sheridan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Collard Greens 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.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Sheridan County, MT
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
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 | 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
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
124 days in Sheridan County
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Sheridan County
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after May 17 in Sheridan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Sheridan County, MT?
Sheridan County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sheridan County, MT?
Sheridan County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 18.
When should I plant Collard Greens in Sheridan County County, ?
In Sheridan County County, , plant Collard Greens after the last frost (around May 17) and before the first frost (around September 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sheridan County County, for Collard Greens?
Sheridan County County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Collard Greens grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Collard Greens grow in Sheridan County County's climate?
Yes — Collard Greens grows well in Sheridan County County's temperate climate. Sheridan County County averages a 124-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 17 and first frost around September 18.
Your Sheridan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sheridan County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.