When to Plant Mustard Greens in Clark County, OH
Your May gardening checklist
Your garden in Clark County, Ohio is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Start mustard greens indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Collect mustard greens at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: mustard greens
Mustard greens are fast-growing brassicas with a spicy, peppery kick. They come in green, red, and purple varieties and are excellent cooked or in salads.
Clark County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 721 feet, Clark County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Mustard Greens during the growing season.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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 Clark County
How your county's soil matches Mustard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) overlaps with Mustard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clark County is excellent for Mustard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mustard Greens.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Mustard Greens will thrive.
How to Plant Mustard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mustard Greens
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mustard Greens
Mustard Greens needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mustard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mustard Greens 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.
Mustard Greens Planting Timeline — Clark County, OH
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Mustard Greens in Clark County
Direct sow Mustard Greens outdoors after April 18 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 186.0-day season in Clark County allows multiple plantings of Mustard Greens. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Mustard Greens 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 early spring or fall. Harvest young leaves for milder flavor. Plants bolt quickly in heat so grow as a cool-season crop or provide shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mustard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mustard Greens in Clark County, OH?
Clark County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, OH?
Clark County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 21.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clark 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.