When to Plant Broccoli in Crook County, WY
Your May game plan for Crook County, Wyoming
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Crook County, Wyoming.
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Time to transplant broccoli
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Plant broccoli from seed, right in the garden
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: broccoli
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.
Crook County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 8,060 feet, Crook County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Broccoli to ensure they mature before fall.
Crook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 Crook County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) is more alkaline than Broccoli prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Crook County is excellent for Broccoli — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Broccoli.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Crook County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — 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.
Broccoli Planting Timeline — Crook County, WY
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Crook County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Crook County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after May 14 in Crook 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.
Crook County receives only 25" of rain annually. Broccoli needs consistent moisture — 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Crook County, WY?
Crook County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crook County, WY?
Crook County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 1.
Your Crook County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crook County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.