When to Plant Cabbage in Montgomery 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.
Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 286 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 62.1 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Montgomery County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Montgomery County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). 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 Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 22.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 11" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Montgomery 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 — Montgomery County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 14 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Direct Sow | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 25 |
| Harvest | April 22 | Apr 22 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 22 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
286 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Montgomery County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after February 18 in Montgomery County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Montgomery County, TX?
Montgomery County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, TX?
Montgomery County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is December 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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