When to plant Cabbage in Simpson, KS
In Simpson, plant Cabbage in spring between April 2 and April 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Simpson's last frost averages April 16, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 9 and August 23 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on October 18.
When to Plant Cabbage in Simpson, KS
Mitchell County, Kansas gardeners: here's your July plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Mitchell County, Kansas this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for cabbage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Simpson, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 627 feet, Mitchell County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Simpson Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.1
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 Simpson
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.1) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mitchell County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
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 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mitchell 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 — Simpson, KS
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Mitchell County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Simpson
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 16 in Mitchell 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 Simpson, KS?
In Simpson, KS, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Simpson, KS for Cabbage?
Simpson sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Simpson's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Simpson's temperate climate. Simpson averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.
Your Mitchell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mitchell 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.