When to plant Cabbage in Donovan, IL
Donovan gardeners should plant Cabbage between April 4 and April 25 in spring. With Donovan's Zone 5b climate (last frost April 18), Cabbage needs 60–100 days to mature — plant by July 5 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Donovan, IL
June in Iroquois County, Illinois — your action list
Each item below is timed to Iroquois County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for cabbage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Donovan, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 1,345 feet, Iroquois County receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Donovan Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Donovan
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Iroquois County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Cabbage will thrive.
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 Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 04.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Iroquois 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 — Donovan, IL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Iroquois County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Donovan
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 18 in Iroquois 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.
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
When should I plant Cabbage in Donovan, IL?
In Donovan, IL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Donovan, IL for Cabbage?
Donovan sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Donovan's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Donovan's temperate climate. Donovan averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 13.
Your Iroquois County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Iroquois County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.