When to Plant Kale in Teton County, WY
This month in Teton County, Wyoming
April rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Teton County, Wyoming.
Kale is an exceptionally hardy, nutrient-dense green available in curly, lacinato, and Russian varieties. It tolerates heavy frost and often tastes sweeter after cold exposure.
Teton County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.
At an elevation of 6,591 feet, Teton County receives approximately 19.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kale to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kale successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Teton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Teton County
How your county's soil matches Kale's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) overlaps with Kale's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teton County is excellent for Kale — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Kale.
How to Plant Kale
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kale
Kale needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kale Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Teton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kale 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.
Kale Planting Timeline — Teton County, WY
Kale Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 |
| Fall Sowing | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Teton County
Growing Tips for Kale in Teton County
Direct sow Kale outdoors after June 16 in Teton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kale 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 or transplant in early spring or late summer. Harvest outer leaves first to keep plants productive. Kale overwinters in many climates and can provide greens all year.
Recommended Kale Varieties for Teton County
Cold-hardy kale that improves in flavor after frost
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.) — they all cross.
Kale in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kale in Teton County, WY?
Teton County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Kale planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Teton County, WY?
Teton County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 6.
Your Teton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Teton County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.