When to Plant Pac Choi in Marengo County, AL
May in the garden — Marengo County, Alabama
May is a pivotal month for Marengo County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: pac choi
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Marengo County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 453 feet, Marengo County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. 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.
Marengo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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 Marengo County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Marengo County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Marengo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Marengo County, AL
Pac Choi 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 | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
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 | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Marengo County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Marengo County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 13 in Marengo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Marengo County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Pac Choi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 245.0-day season in Marengo County allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Marengo County, AL?
Marengo County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marengo County, AL?
Marengo County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Marengo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marengo County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.