When to Plant Cabbage in Hartley County, TX
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.
Hartley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 4,344 feet, Hartley County receives approximately 46.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Hartley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.1
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 Hartley County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.1) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Hartley 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 (1.1%). 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 Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hartley 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 — Hartley County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Hartley County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Hartley County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 23 in Hartley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Hartley County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Hartley County reach 96°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 Hartley County, TX?
Hartley County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hartley County, TX?
Hartley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hartley County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.