Blog

When to Plant Broccoli in Converse County, WY

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Converse County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 4 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 106 days.

At an elevation of 6,089 feet, Converse County receives approximately 16.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Broccoli successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Converse County, WY (Zone 4b) Short season
106 days
Last Spring Frost June 4
106 growing days
First Fall Frost September 18

Converse County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 9 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 23 Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 6 Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Sep 30

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 Converse County

How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6โ€“8.3) is more alkaline than Broccoli prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Converse County is excellent for Broccoli โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.

How to Plant Broccoli

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
7.5 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 30 sq ft. In Converse County's 106-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 401 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli

Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Broccoli Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.3" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in Converse County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Broccoli 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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.

Broccoli needs ~806 GDD — county provides 1,139 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Converse County, WY

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Transplant Outdoors June 4 Jun 4 โ€“ Jun 18
Direct Sow May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jun 18
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 โ€“ Sep 17
Fall Sowing June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Jul 10

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

106 days in Converse County

Growing Tips for Broccoli in Converse County

Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after June 04 in Converse County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

Converse County receives only 16" of rain annually. Broccoli needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial โ€” must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Converse County, WY?

Converse County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 4. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Converse County, WY?

Converse County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 4 and first fall frost is September 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Converse County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Converse County, WY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.