When to Plant Cabbage in Clay County, TN
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.
Clay County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,418 feet, Clay County receives approximately 42.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Clay County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clay County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clay 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 — Clay County, TN
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
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 | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Clay County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 12 in Clay County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Clay County, TN?
Clay County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, TN?
Clay County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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