When to Plant Kale in Live Oak County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Live Oak County, Texas
Each item below is timed to Live Oak County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for kale
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: kale
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.
Live Oak County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 3,092 feet, Live Oak County receives approximately 63.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Live Oak County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Live Oak County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Live Oak County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Live Oak County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale 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.
Kale Planting Timeline — Live Oak County, TX
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Live Oak County
Growing Tips for Kale in Live Oak County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after February 13 in Live Oak County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Live Oak County reach 104°F — grow Kale as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Kale in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Live Oak County, TX?
Live Oak County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Live Oak County, TX?
Live Oak County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Live Oak County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Live Oak County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.