When to Plant Broccoli in Ward County, ND
Your April game plan for Ward County, North Dakota
April is a pivotal month for Ward County, North Dakota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Looking ahead to May
- Transplants going out: broccoli
- Direct-sowing: broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Ward County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 896 feet, Ward County receives approximately 29.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Ward County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Ward County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Broccoli prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ward County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Broccoli will thrive.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ward County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli 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.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Ward County, ND
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Ward County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Ward County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after May 13 in Ward County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Ward County, ND?
Ward County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ward County, ND?
Ward County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Ward County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ward County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.