When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Saline County, AR
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Saline County, Arkansas.
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Basket week: napa cabbage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: napa cabbage
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 598 feet, Saline County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Saline County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Saline County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Napa Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 31.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage 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 | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Saline County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Saline County, AR
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Saline County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 26 in Saline County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Saline County, AR?
Saline County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, AR?
Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Saline 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.