When to Plant Mustard Greens in Schuylkill County, PA
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Begin indoor sowing: mustard greens
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
-
Pick mustard greens
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 253 feet, Schuylkill County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Mustard Greens during the growing season.
Schuylkill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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 Schuylkill County
How your county's soil matches Mustard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.8) is more acidic than Mustard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Schuylkill County is excellent for Mustard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Mustard Greens.
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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Schuylkill 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 — Schuylkill County, PA
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Schuylkill County
Growing Tips for Mustard Greens in Schuylkill County
Direct sow Mustard Greens outdoors after April 17 in Schuylkill County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 193.0-day season in Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County, PA?
Schuylkill County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Schuylkill County, PA?
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Schuylkill County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Schuylkill 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.