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When to plant Cabbage in Stark County County,

For Cabbage in Stark County County, the safe spring window opens around April 7 and closes around April 28. Last expected frost is April 21, first fall frost October 12, giving a 174-day growing season. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Stark County, IL

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.

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Stark County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12
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Stark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Stark County's 174-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Aug 18
Fall Sowing August 3 Aug 3 – Aug 17

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Stark County

Growing Tips for Stark County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Stark County, IL?

Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stark County, IL?

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Cabbage in Stark County County, ?

In Stark County County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stark County County, for Cabbage?

Stark County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Stark County County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Stark County County's temperate climate. Stark County County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stark 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Stark County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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