When to Plant Tatsoi in Washington County, VT
May in the garden — Washington County, Vermont
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Set out tatsoi seedlings
Your last frost (May 12) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
June prep starts now
- Starting indoors: tatsoi
- First harvests: tatsoi
Tatsoi is a compact Asian green forming beautiful rosettes of dark, spoon-shaped leaves with a mild mustard flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and versatile.
Washington County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 959 feet, Washington County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tatsoi to ensure they mature before fall.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 Washington County
How your county's soil matches Tatsoi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.3) is more acidic than Tatsoi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Washington County is excellent for Tatsoi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Tatsoi.
How to Plant Tatsoi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Tatsoi
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tatsoi
Tatsoi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tatsoi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tatsoi 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.
Tatsoi Planting Timeline — Washington County, VT
Tatsoi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Tatsoi in Washington County
Direct sow Tatsoi outdoors after May 12 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 148.0-day season in Washington County allows multiple plantings of Tatsoi. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Tatsoi 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 spring or fall. Tatsoi tolerates frost down to 15F. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole rosettes. Excellent in salads, stir-fries, or lightly wilted.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tatsoi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tatsoi in Washington County, VT?
Washington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Tatsoi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, VT?
Washington County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Washington 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.