When to Plant Kale in Faulk County, SD
April to-do list for Faulk County, South Dakota
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Faulk County, South Dakota.
Get ahead of May
- Transplants going out: kale
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Faulk County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 964 feet, Faulk County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Faulk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.2
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 Faulk County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.2) is within Kale's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Faulk County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 08.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Faulk 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 — Faulk County, SD
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | July 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Faulk County
Growing Tips for Kale in Faulk County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after May 11 in Faulk 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.
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 Faulk County, SD?
Faulk County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Faulk County, SD?
Faulk County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Faulk County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Faulk County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.