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When to Plant Pac Choi in Dougherty County, GA

Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.

Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Pac Choi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pac Choi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pac Choi root diseases.

Dougherty County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Dougherty County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (186 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 11 – May 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (186 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 18 – May 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (182 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 4

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

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 351 gal / 100 sq ft
Pac Choi needs ~1,045 GDD — county provides 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Pac Choi Planting Timeline โ€” Dougherty County, GA

Pac Choi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 14
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 โ€“ Sep 23
Harvest April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 16

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

40โ€“55 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for Dougherty County

Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pac Choi in Dougherty County, GA?

Dougherty County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?

Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dougherty County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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