When to Plant Watercress in Obion County, TN
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.
Obion County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,431 feet, Obion County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season.
Obion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7
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 — Obion County, TN
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
209 days
Growing Tips for Obion 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 Obion County, TN?
Obion County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Obion County, TN?
Obion County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Obion County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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