When to Plant Kale in Cowlitz County, WA
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.
Cowlitz County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 268 feet, Cowlitz County receives approximately 47.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kale during the growing season.
Cowlitz County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 7.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 7.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cowlitz County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale Planting Timeline — Cowlitz County, WA
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Cowlitz County
Growing Tips for Cowlitz County
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 Cowlitz County, WA?
Cowlitz County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cowlitz County, WA?
Cowlitz County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Cowlitz County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cowlitz 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.