When to Plant Collard Greens in Cherry County, NE
Your May game plan for Cherry County, Nebraska
Your garden in Cherry County, Nebraska is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Transplant collard greens outside
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Cherry County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 980 feet, Cherry County receives approximately 24.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Collard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.
Cherry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
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 Cherry County
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) overlaps with Collard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cherry County is excellent for Collard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Collard Greens.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Collard Greens.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 28.
Plant 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cherry 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 — Cherry County, NE
Collard Greens 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 | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Cherry County
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Cherry County
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after May 10 in Cherry 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 Cherry County, NE?
Cherry County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cherry County, NE?
Cherry County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Cherry County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cherry 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.