When to Plant Watercress in Fannin County, TX
Top priorities for Fannin County, Texas gardeners in May
A quick May briefing for Fannin County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Bring in the watercress
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: watercress
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Fannin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 282 feet, Fannin County receives approximately 63.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watercress root diseases.
Fannin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Fannin County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fannin County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Watercress
Watercress needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watercress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fannin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watercress 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.
Watercress Planting Timeline — Fannin County, TX
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Fannin County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Fannin County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after March 16 in Fannin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 244.0-day season in Fannin County allows multiple plantings of Watercress. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Watercress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Fannin County, TX?
Fannin County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fannin County, TX?
Fannin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Fannin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fannin County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.