When to Plant Cress in Kitsap County, WA
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Kitsap County, Washington this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 264 feet, Kitsap County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Kitsap County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Kitsap County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Cress prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kitsap County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Cress will thrive.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 10.
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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kitsap 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 — Kitsap County, WA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 10 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Kitsap County
Growing Tips for Cress in Kitsap County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after March 25 in Kitsap County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 225.0-day season in Kitsap 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.
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 Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Kitsap County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kitsap County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.