When to Plant Cress in Ferry County, WA
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Ferry County, Washington gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Set out cress seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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It's harvest week for cress
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: cress
- First harvests: cress
Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.
Ferry County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 3,990 feet, Ferry County receives approximately 18.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cress successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ferry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Ferry County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) overlaps with Cress's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ferry County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Cress will thrive.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 16.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ferry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress 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.
Cress Planting Timeline — Ferry County, WA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Ferry County
Growing Tips for Cress in Ferry County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after May 10 in Ferry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 137.0-day season in Ferry County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Ferry County receives only 18" of rain annually. Cress needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Ferry County, WA?
Ferry County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ferry County, WA?
Ferry County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your Ferry County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ferry County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.