When to Plant Cress in Douglas County, NV
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.
Douglas County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 5,945 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 9.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Cress may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cress successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Douglas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Planting Timeline — Douglas County, NV
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, NV?
Douglas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, NV?
Douglas County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.