When to Plant Cabbage in Essex County, VT
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.
Essex County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 27 feet, Essex County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Essex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
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.
Plant Water Budget
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Essex County, VT
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 3b
Growing Season
135 days
Growing Tips for Essex 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Essex County, VT?
Essex County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Essex County, VT?
Essex County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Essex County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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