When to Plant Kale in Hancock County, OH
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
Hancock County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,125 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale Planting Timeline — Hancock County, OH
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Hancock County
Direct sow or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Hancock County, OH?
Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, OH?
Hancock County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock 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.