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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Thomas County, GA

Plant Napa Cabbage in Thomas County after March 4; the prime window is February 11–March 4. A second sowing from September 27 to October 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Thomas County, GA

Thomas County, Georgia Zone 9a July

This month in Thomas County, Georgia

Your garden in Thomas County, Georgia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.

Avg. last frost March 4
Avg. first frost November 22
Soil temp (4") 90°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

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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.

Thomas County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.

At an elevation of 302 feet, Thomas County receives approximately 58.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Napa Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Napa Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.

Thomas County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
263 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
263 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Thomas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Napa Cabbage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 21 🍅 Harvest: Apr 18 – May 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (172 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – Jun 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (175 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jun 24

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 Thomas County

How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Thomas County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.

How to Plant Napa Cabbage

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Napa Cabbage

5
successive plantings in your 263-day season

Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 27.

Napa Cabbage Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,332 gal / 100 sq ft

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 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 6.5" 6" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 6.5" 4.6" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 6.5" 4.1" 2.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 6.5" 4.6" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Jul 6.5" 6" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 6.5" 5.5" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 6.5" 4.7" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 6.5" 3.4" 3.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 6.5" 4.9" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Thomas 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 needs ~1,381 GDD — county provides 5,588 GDD Excellent fit

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Thomas County, GA

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – Jun 3
Fall Sowing September 27 Sep 27 – Oct 11

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

55–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

263 days in Thomas County

Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Thomas County

Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 04 in Thomas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Thomas County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Napa Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Thomas County, GA?

Thomas County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Thomas County, GA?

Thomas County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 22.

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Thomas County, GA?

In Thomas County, GA, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Thomas County, GA for Napa Cabbage?

Thomas County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Napa Cabbage grow in Thomas County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Thomas County's temperate climate. Thomas County averages a 263-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 22.

🌱

Your Thomas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Thomas 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Thomas County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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