When to Plant Watercress in Converse County, WY
May to-do list for Converse County, Wyoming
May is a pivotal month for Converse County, Wyoming gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Put watercress seeds straight in the ground
Your soil is 37°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: watercress
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Converse County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. 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 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Watercress to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Watercress successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Converse County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.3
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 Converse County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.3) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Converse County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 10.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Watercress
Watercress needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watercress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Converse County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watercress 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.
Watercress Planting Timeline — Converse County, WY
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
106 days in Converse County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Converse County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after June 04 in Converse County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Watercress 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. Watercress needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Converse County, WY?
Converse County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 4. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Converse County, WY?
Converse County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 4 and first fall frost is September 18.
Your Converse County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Converse County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.