When to Plant Cabbage in Nez Perce County, ID
Your May game plan for Nez Perce County, Idaho
May is a pivotal month for Nez Perce County, Idaho gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Set out cabbage seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: 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.
Nez Perce County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 4,819 feet, Nez Perce County receives approximately 16.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Nez Perce County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8
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 Nez Perce County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.0) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Nez Perce County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 18.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Nez Perce 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 — Nez Perce County, ID
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Nez Perce County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Nez Perce County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 12 in Nez Perce 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.
Nez Perce County receives only 17" 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 Nez Perce County, ID?
Nez Perce County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nez Perce County, ID?
Nez Perce County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Nez Perce County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nez Perce County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.