When to Plant Watercress in Titus County, TX
May in the garden — Titus County, Texas
Your Titus County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: watercress
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Titus County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Titus County receives approximately 72.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Watercress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watercress root diseases.
Titus County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Titus County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) is more acidic than Watercress prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Titus County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Watercress will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 11.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Titus 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 — Titus County, TX
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
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 Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
238 days in Titus County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Titus County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after March 18 in Titus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Titus County dries quickly — mulch Watercress with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 238.0-day season in Titus 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 Titus County, TX?
Titus County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Titus County, TX?
Titus County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Titus County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Titus 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.