When to Plant Cabbage in Montcalm County, MI
Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.
Montcalm County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,377 feet, Montcalm County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Montcalm County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Montcalm County, MI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
159 days
Growing Tips for Montcalm County
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Montcalm County, MI?
Montcalm County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montcalm County, MI?
Montcalm County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Montcalm County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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