When to Plant Cabbage in Neshoba County, MS
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.
Neshoba County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 231 feet, Neshoba County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Neshoba County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 Neshoba County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Neshoba County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Neshoba County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage 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.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Neshoba County, MS
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Neshoba County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Neshoba County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 22 in Neshoba County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Neshoba County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Neshoba County reach 97°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Neshoba County, MS?
Neshoba County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Neshoba County, MS?
Neshoba County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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