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When to plant Cabbage in Calhoun County County,

Calhoun County County's climate puts the Cabbage spring window between April 11 and May 2. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Calhoun County, IA

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.

Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Calhoun County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

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 Calhoun County's 164-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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IA

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 22
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December

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 5a

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Calhoun County

Growing Tips for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, IA?

Calhoun County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, IA?

Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Cabbage in Calhoun County County, ?

In Calhoun County County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Calhoun County County, for Cabbage?

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

Can Cabbage grow in Calhoun County County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Calhoun County County's temperate climate. Calhoun County County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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