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When to Plant Cabbage in Rains 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.

Rains County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.

At an elevation of 363 feet, Rains County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” 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.

Rains County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
248 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
248 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Rains County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Rains County's 248-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Rains County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline β€” Rains County, TX

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Direct Sow February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 20
Harvest May 15 May 15 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 – Sep 21

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April β€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

248 days in Rains County

Growing Tips for Rains County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Rains County, TX?

Rains County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rains County, TX?

Rains County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 16.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Rains County gardeners in Zone 8a 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Rains County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.