When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Valley County, NE
Savoy cabbage has crinkled, deeply veined leaves that form looser heads than regular cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is more cold-tolerant.
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 982 feet, Valley County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savoy Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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 Valley County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Savoy Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Valley County is excellent for Savoy Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Savoy Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Savoy Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Plant Water Budget
Savoy 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.
Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Valley County, NE
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Valley County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Valley County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after May 09 in Valley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Savoy Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Valley County receives only 22" of rain annually. Savoy Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Savoy cabbage is more forgiving of temperature fluctuations than smooth-leaved types. Excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Valley County, NE?
Valley County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valley County, NE?
Valley County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Valley County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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