When to Plant Kale in Wilson County, TX
Top priorities for Wilson County, Texas gardeners in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Wilson County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting kale
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Wilson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 2,660 feet, Wilson County receives approximately 62.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kale root diseases.
Wilson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
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 Wilson County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) is within Kale's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Wilson County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kale.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 30.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wilson 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 — Wilson County, TX
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | September 30 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| 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
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Wilson County
Growing Tips for Kale in Wilson County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after March 04 in Wilson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Wilson County reach 93°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 Wilson County, TX?
Wilson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilson County, TX?
Wilson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 25.
Your Wilson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wilson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.