When to Plant Watercress in Lampasas County, TX
May to-do list for Lampasas County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lampasas County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the watercress
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Lampasas County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,908 feet, Lampasas County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Watercress may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Watercress, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watercress root diseases.
Lampasas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.8-8.1
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 Lampasas County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.1) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Lampasas County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 10.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lampasas 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 — Lampasas County, TX
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jun 6 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Lampasas County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Lampasas County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after March 21 in Lampasas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lampasas County's clay soil (46% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Watercress. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 236.0-day season in Lampasas 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 Lampasas County, TX?
Lampasas County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lampasas County, TX?
Lampasas County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Lampasas County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lampasas County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.