When to Plant Cabbage in Appling County, GA
May in Appling County, Georgia — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Harvest cabbage as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Appling County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 285 feet, Appling County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. 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.
Appling County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Appling County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Appling County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Appling 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 — Appling County, GA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 8 |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Appling County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Appling County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 11 in Appling County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Appling County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Appling County reach 92°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 Appling County, GA?
Appling County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Appling County, GA?
Appling County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 19.
Your Appling County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Appling 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.