When to plant Cabbage in Ripley County, IN
Ripley County's climate puts the Cabbage spring window between March 27 and April 17. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Ripley County, IN
July in Ripley County, Indiana — your action list
Welcome to July in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Bring in the cabbage
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: cabbage
- Fall sowing: 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.
Ripley County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Ripley County receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Ripley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Ripley County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ripley County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Cabbage Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ripley 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 — Ripley County, IN
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Ripley County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Ripley County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 10 in Ripley 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Ripley County, IN?
Ripley County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ripley County, IN?
Ripley County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Cabbage in Ripley County, IN?
In Ripley County, IN, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ripley County, IN for Cabbage?
Ripley County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Ripley County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Ripley County's temperate climate. Ripley County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 20.
Your Ripley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ripley County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.