When to Plant Watercress in Jackson County, MN
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.
Jackson County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Watercress to ensure they mature before fall.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Watercress Planting Timeline — Jackson County, MN
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
159 days
Growing Tips for Jackson County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Jackson County, MN?
Jackson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, MN?
Jackson County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jackson County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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