When to Plant Pac Choi in Montgomery County, AR
This month in Montgomery County, Arkansas
Your garden in Montgomery County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Indoor seed-starting week for pac choi
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Basket week: pac choi
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: pac choi
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.
Montgomery County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 850 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
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 Montgomery County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.9) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Montgomery County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Montgomery 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 — Montgomery County, AR
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Montgomery County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 27 in Montgomery County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 224.0-day season in Montgomery 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Montgomery County, AR?
Montgomery County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, AR?
Montgomery County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montgomery County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.