When to Plant Mustard Greens in Lincoln County, SD
May to-do list for Lincoln County, South Dakota
Here's what deserves your attention in Lincoln County, South Dakota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Get mustard greens in the ground
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: mustard greens
- 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.
Lincoln County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 840 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Mustard Greens during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.3
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Mustard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.3) overlaps with Mustard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Mustard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). 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 Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lincoln 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 — Lincoln County, SD
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Mustard Greens in Lincoln County
Direct sow Mustard Greens outdoors after May 01 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 157.0-day season in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, SD?
Lincoln County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, SD?
Lincoln County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.