When to Plant Cress in Grimes County, TX
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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.
Grimes County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 279 days.
At an elevation of 33 feet, Grimes County receives approximately 65.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Grimes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.5
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 Grimes County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.5) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Grimes County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cress will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Grimes 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 — Grimes County, TX
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 25 |
| Harvest | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
279 days in Grimes County
Growing Tips for Cress in Grimes County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after February 25 in Grimes County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Grimes County dries quickly — mulch Cress with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 280.0-day season in Grimes 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 Grimes County, TX?
Grimes County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grimes County, TX?
Grimes County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Grimes County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grimes 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.