When to Plant Cabbage in Harding County, NM
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.
Harding County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 6,903 feet, Harding County receives approximately 13 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Harding County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.8
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 Harding County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.8) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Harding County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Jun 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 30.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Harding County, NM
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Harding County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Harding County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 02 in Harding County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Harding County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Harding County receives only 13" of rain annually. Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Level Up Your Garden
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Harding County, NM?
Harding County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harding County, NM?
Harding County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Harding County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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