When to Plant Kale in Bastrop County, TX
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.
Bastrop County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 3,716 feet, Bastrop County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kale, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Bastrop County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.2-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Bastrop County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Planting Timeline — Bastrop County, TX
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Bastrop County
Growing Tips for Bastrop County
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 Bastrop County, TX?
Bastrop County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bastrop County, TX?
Bastrop County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Bastrop County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bastrop County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.