When to plant Pac Choi in Mason County County,
Spring Pac Choi in Mason County County goes in April 1–April 22, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Pac Choi in Mason County, IL
Top priorities for Mason County, Illinois gardeners in June
June is a pivotal month for Mason County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Harvest pac choi as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Mason County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 768 feet, Mason County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Mason County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Pac Choi 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 Mason County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Pac Choi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mason County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Pac Choi will thrive.
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 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Pac Choi Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mason 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 — Mason County, IL
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Mason County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Mason County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 15 in Mason County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 182.0-day season in Mason 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
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Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Mason County, IL?
Mason County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mason County, IL?
Mason County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Pac Choi in Mason County County, ?
In Mason County County, , plant Pac Choi after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mason County County, for Pac Choi?
Mason County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pac Choi grow in Mason County County's climate?
Yes — Pac Choi grows well in Mason County County's temperate climate. Mason County County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 14.
Your Mason County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mason County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.