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When to Plant Kale in Terrell 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.

Terrell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 270 days.

At an elevation of 3,434 feet, Terrell County receives approximately 45.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.

Terrell County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
270 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
270 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Terrell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.3-8.4

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 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kale Planting Timeline — Terrell County, TX

Kale Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 26 Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Outdoors March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 16
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 9
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 – Jun 22
Fall Sowing September 18 Sep 18 – Oct 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

270 days in Terrell County

Growing Tips for Terrell 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 Terrell County, TX?

Terrell County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Terrell County, TX?

Terrell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 27.

🌱

Your Terrell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Terrell 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Terrell 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.