When to Plant Cress in Burleigh County, ND
This month in Burleigh County, North Dakota
May is a pivotal month for Burleigh County, North Dakota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Move cress into the garden
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Put cress seeds straight in the ground
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
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It's harvest week for cress
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: cress
- First harvests: cress
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.
Burleigh County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 1,102 feet, Burleigh County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Burleigh 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 Burleigh County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Burleigh County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Cress.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Burleigh County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress 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.
Cress Planting Timeline — Burleigh County, ND
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
138 days in Burleigh County
Growing Tips for Cress in Burleigh County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after May 12 in Burleigh County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 138.0-day season in Burleigh County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Burleigh County receives only 23" of rain annually. Cress needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Burleigh County, ND?
Burleigh County is in Zone 4a 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 Burleigh County, ND?
Burleigh County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Burleigh County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Burleigh County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.