When to Plant Kale in Lake County, OR
June in Lake County, Oregon — your action list
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lake County, Oregon.
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Harden off and plant kale
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Seed kale outdoors
Your soil is 68°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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Start your fall crops: kale
Count back from your first frost (September 7) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- Starting indoors: kale
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.
Lake County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 1,236 feet, Lake County receives approximately 12.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Kale 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 Lake County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.4) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Kale will thrive.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Kale Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale 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.
Kale Planting Timeline — Lake County, OR
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Kale in Lake County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after June 16 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kale 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 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.
Recommended Kale Varieties for Lake County
Cold-hardy kale that improves in flavor after frost
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 Lake County, OR?
Lake County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, OR?
Lake County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.