When to Plant Endive in Monmouth County, NJ
April in Monmouth County, New Jersey — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Monmouth County, New Jersey this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: endive
- First harvests: endive
Endive is a leafy green with a slightly bitter flavor, available in curly (frisee) and broad-leaved (escarole) types. It adds texture and complexity to salads.
Monmouth County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 280 feet, Monmouth County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Endive during the growing season.
Monmouth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.8
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 Monmouth County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.8) overlaps with Endive's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monmouth County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Endive.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Endive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Endive
Endive needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Endive Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monmouth County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Endive 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.
Endive Planting Timeline — Monmouth County, NJ
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Monmouth County
Growing Tips for Endive in Monmouth County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after March 29 in Monmouth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Monmouth County allows multiple plantings of Endive. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Endive in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in spring or fall. Blanch heads by tying outer leaves together 2-3 weeks before harvest to reduce bitterness. Keep soil evenly moist.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Endive in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Endive in Monmouth County, NJ?
Monmouth County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monmouth County, NJ?
Monmouth County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Monmouth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Monmouth County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.