When to Plant Broccoli in Grainger County, TN
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Grainger County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 3,009 feet, Grainger County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season.
Grainger County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Broccoli to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Grainger County's 190-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grainger County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Grainger County, TN
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 |
| 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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Grainger County
Growing Tips for Grainger County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Grainger County, TN?
Grainger County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grainger County, TN?
Grainger County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Grainger County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grainger County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.