When to plant Cabbage in Ridott, IL
In Ridott, plant Cabbage in spring between April 9 and April 30, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Ridott's last frost averages April 23, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 4 and August 18 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on October 13.
When to Plant Cabbage in Ridott, IL
June in Stephenson County, Illinois — your action list
Each item below is timed to Stephenson County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Harvest cabbage as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Ridott, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,345 feet, Stephenson County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Ridott Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Ridott
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stephenson County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stephenson 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 — Ridott, IL
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
| 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 | Start Indoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Stephenson County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Ridott
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 23 in Stephenson 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 Ridott, IL?
In Ridott, IL, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ridott, IL for Cabbage?
Ridott sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Ridott's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Ridott's temperate climate. Ridott averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 13.
Your Stephenson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stephenson County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.