When to Plant Collard Greens in Matagorda County, TX
May in Matagorda County, Texas — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: collard greens
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: collard greens
Collard greens are a heat-tolerant member of the cabbage family with large, sturdy leaves. They are a Southern staple and one of the most nutritious leafy greens.
Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.
At an elevation of 161 feet, Matagorda County receives approximately 57.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Collard Greens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Collard Greens will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Collard Greens root diseases.
Matagorda County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Matagorda County
How your county's soil matches Collard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Collard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Matagorda County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Collard Greens will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Collard Greens.
How to Plant Collard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Collard Greens
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Collard Greens
Collard Greens 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 | Collard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Matagorda County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Collard Greens 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.
Collard Greens Planting Timeline — Matagorda County, TX
Collard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Direct Sow | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 19 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – Jun 18 |
| Fall Sowing | October 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
290 days in Matagorda County
Growing Tips for Collard Greens in Matagorda County
Direct sow Collard Greens outdoors after February 19 in Matagorda County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Matagorda County dries quickly — mulch Collard Greens with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Collard Greens in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harvest lower leaves first, leaving the growing tip intact. Flavor improves after exposure to frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Collard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Collard Greens in Matagorda County, TX?
Matagorda County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Collard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Matagorda County, TX?
Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Matagorda County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Matagorda 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.