When to Plant Mustard Greens in Orleans County, VT
This month in Orleans County, Vermont
Your Orleans County, Vermont 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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Time to transplant mustard greens
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.
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Plant mustard greens from seed, right in the garden
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: mustard greens
- First harvests: mustard greens
Mustard greens are fast-growing brassicas with a spicy, peppery kick. They come in green, red, and purple varieties and are excellent cooked or in salads.
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 48 feet, Orleans County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mustard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.
Orleans County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 Orleans County
How your county's soil matches Mustard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Mustard Greens prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Orleans County is excellent for Mustard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Mustard Greens.
How to Plant Mustard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mustard Greens
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Mustard Greens
Mustard Greens needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mustard Greens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Orleans County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mustard Greens 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.
Mustard Greens Planting Timeline — Orleans County, VT
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Orleans County
Growing Tips for Mustard Greens in Orleans County
Direct sow Mustard Greens outdoors after May 13 in Orleans County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 144.0-day season in Orleans County allows multiple plantings of Mustard Greens. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Mustard Greens 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 in early spring or fall. Harvest young leaves for milder flavor. Plants bolt quickly in heat so grow as a cool-season crop or provide shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mustard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mustard Greens in Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Orleans County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Orleans County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.