When to Plant Kale in Cooke 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.
Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 1,818 feet, Cooke County receives approximately 69.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Cooke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cooke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Planting Timeline — Cooke County, TX
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Cooke County
Growing Tips for Cooke 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 Cooke County, TX?
Cooke County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cooke County, TX?
Cooke County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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