When to Plant Pac Choi in Lee County, GA
Top priorities for Lee County, Georgia gardeners in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Bring in the pac choi
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Pac Choi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Pac Choi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 09.
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee 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 — Lee County, GA
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Lee County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 07 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Pac Choi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Lee County, provide afternoon shade for Pac Choi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Lee 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 Lee County, GA?
Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, GA?
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee 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.