When to Plant Kale in Obion County, TN
May to-do list for Obion County, Tennessee
Here's what deserves your attention in Obion County, Tennessee this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Begin indoor sowing: kale
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Harvest kale as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: 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.
Obion County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,431 feet, Obion County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Obion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7
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 Obion County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–7.0) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Obion County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Plant 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Obion 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 — Obion County, TN
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Obion County
Growing Tips for Kale in Obion County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after April 02 in Obion 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 Obion County, TN?
Obion County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Obion County, TN?
Obion County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Obion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Obion 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.