When to Plant Pac Choi in Shoshone County, ID
May in the garden — Shoshone County, Idaho
A quick May briefing for Shoshone County, Idaho gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Move pac choi from tray to bed
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: pac choi
- First harvests: pac choi
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.
Shoshone County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 6,353 feet, Shoshone County receives approximately 14.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pac Choi to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pac Choi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Shoshone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
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 Shoshone County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Shoshone County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Pac Choi is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Aug 02 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 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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.9" | 5.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Shoshone 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 — Shoshone County, ID
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 |
| 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 | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Shoshone County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Shoshone County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 10 in Shoshone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 139.0-day season in Shoshone 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.
Shoshone County receives only 14" of rain annually. Pac Choi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Shoshone County, ID?
Shoshone County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shoshone County, ID?
Shoshone County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Shoshone County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Shoshone County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.