When to Plant Kohlrabi in Brown County, NE
Your May gardening checklist
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Brown County, Nebraska this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Transplant kohlrabi outside
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
June prep starts now
- Starting indoors: kohlrabi
- First harvests: kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.
Brown County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Brown County receives approximately 25.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kohlrabi to ensure they mature before fall.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
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 Brown County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.1) is within Kohlrabi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Brown County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Kohlrabi will thrive.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Brown County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi 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.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Brown County, NE
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Brown County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after May 10 in Brown County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kohlrabi 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 in spring or fall. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Brown County, NE?
Brown County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, NE?
Brown County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.