When to Plant Tatsoi in Cayuga County, NY
Cayuga County, New York gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Time to transplant tatsoi
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: tatsoi
- First harvests: tatsoi
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.
Cayuga County, New York is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 930 feet, Cayuga County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tatsoi during the growing season.
Cayuga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.6
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 Cayuga County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.6) is more acidic than Tatsoi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cayuga County is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 03.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cayuga 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 — Cayuga County, NY
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" 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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Cayuga County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Cayuga County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after May 08 in Cayuga County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 157.0-day season in Cayuga County allows multiple plantings of Tatsoi. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Tatsoi 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. 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 Cayuga County, NY?
Cayuga County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cayuga County, NY?
Cayuga County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 12.
Your Cayuga County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cayuga 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.