When to Plant Mustard Greens in Cabell County, WV
Your April planting checklist for Cabell County, West Virginia
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Cabell County, West Virginia.
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Harden off and plant mustard greens
Your last frost (April 20) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Seed mustard greens outdoors
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
May will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Cabell County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 3,444 feet, Cabell County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Mustard Greens during the growing season.
Cabell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Cabell County
How your county's soil matches Mustard Greens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Mustard Greens's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cabell County is excellent for Mustard Greens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mustard Greens.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Mustard Greens.
How to Plant Mustard Greens
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Mustard Greens
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cabell 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 — Cabell County, WV
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Cabell County
Growing Tips for Mustard Greens in Cabell County
Direct sow Mustard Greens outdoors after April 20 in Cabell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Cabell 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 Cabell County, WV?
Cabell County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cabell County, WV?
Cabell County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Cabell County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cabell 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.