When to Plant Kale in Addison County, VT
Addison County, Vermont gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Addison County, Vermont gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Harden off and plant kale
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Addison County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Addison County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall.
Addison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 Addison County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.4) is more acidic than Kale prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Addison County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kale
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 24.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Addison 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 — Addison County, VT
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
141 days in Addison County
Growing Tips for Kale in Addison County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after May 14 in Addison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Addison County, VT?
Addison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Addison County, VT?
Addison County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Addison County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Addison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.