When to plant Cabbage in Houston County, AL
Plant Cabbage in Houston County after March 6; the prime window is February 13–March 6. A second sowing from September 24 to October 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Houston County, AL
June to-do list for Houston County, Alabama
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Harvest cabbage as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: cabbage
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.
Houston County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 230 feet, Houston County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Houston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Cabbage 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 Houston County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Houston County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 24.
Cabbage 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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Houston 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 — Houston County, AL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | September 24 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Houston County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Houston County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 06 in Houston County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Houston County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Houston County reach 97°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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Houston County, AL?
Houston County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Houston County, AL?
Houston County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.
When should I plant Cabbage in Houston County, AL?
In Houston County, AL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Houston County, AL for Cabbage?
Houston County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Houston County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Houston County's temperate climate. Houston County averages a 258-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 19.
Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.