When to Plant Cress in Gonzales County, TX
This month in Gonzales County, Texas
Your Gonzales County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.
Gonzales County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 4,385 feet, Gonzales County receives approximately 67 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cress may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Gonzales County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.4
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 Gonzales County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.4) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Gonzales County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Cress.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Nov 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Gonzales County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress 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.
Cress Planting Timeline — Gonzales County, TX
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Gonzales County
Growing Tips for Cress in Gonzales County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after February 28 in Gonzales County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Gonzales County, provide afternoon shade for Cress and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 274.0-day season in Gonzales County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Gonzales County, TX?
Gonzales County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gonzales County, TX?
Gonzales County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Gonzales County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Gonzales 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.