When to Plant Endive in Golden Valley County, ND
May to-do list for Golden Valley County, North Dakota
A quick May briefing for Golden Valley County, North Dakota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Move endive from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Outdoor sowing time: endive
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: endive
- Fall sowing: 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.
Golden Valley County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 982 feet, Golden Valley County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Endive to ensure they mature before fall.
Golden Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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 Golden Valley County
How your county's soil matches Endive's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is more alkaline than Endive prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Golden Valley County is excellent for Endive — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Endive will thrive.
How to Plant Endive
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Endive
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 30.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 2.2" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Golden Valley 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 — Golden Valley County, ND
Endive Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Golden Valley County
Growing Tips for Endive in Golden Valley County
Direct sow Endive outdoors after May 14 in Golden Valley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Golden Valley County, ND?
Golden Valley County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Endive planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Golden Valley County, ND?
Golden Valley County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Golden Valley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Golden Valley 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.