When to Plant Bok Choy in Monroe County, TN
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.
Monroe County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 3,185 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Bok Choy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Bok Choy's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Bok Choy — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Bok Choy.
How to Plant Bok Choy
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bok Choy
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bok Choy
Bok Choy needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bok Choy Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bok Choy 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.
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Monroe County, TN
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in Monroe County
Direct sow Bok Choy outdoors after April 09 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 197.0-day season in Monroe County allows multiple plantings of Bok Choy. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Bok Choy 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 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
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Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Monroe County, TN?
Monroe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, TN?
Monroe County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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