When to plant Cabbage in Eldred,
Eldred's spring Cabbage window runs March 30 through April 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Eldred, IL
June to-do list for Eldred, IL
Each item below is timed to Eldred, IL's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting cabbage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Eldred, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,248 feet, Greene County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Eldred Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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 Eldred
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Greene 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Greene 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 — Eldred, IL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Greene County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Eldred
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 13 in Greene 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 Eldred, ?
In Eldred, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Eldred, for Cabbage?
Eldred sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Eldred's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Eldred's temperate climate. Eldred averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.
Your Greene County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Greene 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.