When to Plant Watercress in Teton County, WY
May in Teton County, Wyoming — your action list
Your Teton County, Wyoming garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: watercress
- Direct-sowing: watercress
- Fall sowing: 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.
Teton County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. 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 Watercress to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Watercress 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 Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teton County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 14.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular 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.
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 — Teton County, WY
Watercress 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 | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Teton County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Teton County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after June 16 in Teton 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.
Teton County receives only 19" 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 Teton County, WY?
Teton County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Watercress 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 4b. 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 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.