When to Plant Bok Choy in McKenzie County, ND
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
McKenzie County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 1,124 feet, McKenzie County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bok Choy to ensure they mature before fall.
McKenzie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — McKenzie County, ND
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 |
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 | Fall Sowing 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 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
129 days
Growing Tips for McKenzie County
Direct sow in spring or fall for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in McKenzie County, ND?
McKenzie County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McKenzie County, ND?
McKenzie County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McKenzie County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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