When to Plant Tatsoi in McKinley County, NM
This month in McKinley County, New Mexico
A quick May briefing for McKinley County, New Mexico gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harden off and plant tatsoi
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Plant tatsoi from seed, right in the garden
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Tatsoi is a compact Asian green forming beautiful rosettes of dark, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild mustard flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and versatile.
McKinley County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 7,104 feet, McKinley County receives approximately 10.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tatsoi during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tatsoi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tatsoi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
McKinley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.2
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 McKinley County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.2) is more alkaline than Tatsoi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in McKinley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tatsoi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tatsoi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tatsoi.
How to Plant Tatsoi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Tatsoi
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 16.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Tatsoi
Tatsoi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tatsoi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in McKinley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tatsoi 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.
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — McKinley County, NM
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
118 days in McKinley County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in McKinley County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after May 29 in McKinley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in McKinley County dries quickly — mulch Tatsoi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Tatsoi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
McKinley County receives only 10" of rain annually. Tatsoi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Tatsoi tolerates frost down to 15F. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole rosettes. Excellent in salads, stir-fries, or lightly wilted.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in McKinley County, NM?
McKinley County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McKinley County, NM?
McKinley County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your McKinley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McKinley County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.