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When to Plant Kale in Nolan County, TX

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.

Nolan County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 3,997 feet, Nolan County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Kale may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kale will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Nolan County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Nolan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kale

Kale needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Kale Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 11.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nolan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kale Planting Timeline — Nolan County, TX

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 31
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jul 14
Fall Sowing September 6 Sep 6 – Sep 20

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

236 days in Nolan County

Growing Tips for Nolan County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Kale Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow 2nd year flower stalks to dry. Harvest pods when tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kale in Nolan County, TX?

Nolan County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nolan County, TX?

Nolan County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 15.

🌱

Your Nolan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nolan County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nolan County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.