When to plant Cabbage in Jefferson County, ID
The best window to plant Cabbage in Jefferson County, is May 8–May 29, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 22; first frost September 21. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Jefferson County, ID
July in Jefferson County, Idaho — your action list
Your garden in Jefferson County, Idaho is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Pick cabbage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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Get cabbage in for a late-season harvest
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
August prep starts now
- 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.
Jefferson County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 5,094 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Cabbage 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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Cabbage 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, ID
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Jefferson County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 22 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Jefferson County receives only 18" of rain annually. Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Jefferson County, ID?
Jefferson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, ID?
Jefferson County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Cabbage in Jefferson County, ID?
In Jefferson County, ID, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jefferson County, ID for Cabbage?
Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Jefferson County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 122-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 21.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.