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When to plant Cabbage in Mercer County, KY

In Mercer County, plant Cabbage in spring between March 30 and April 20, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Mercer County's last frost averages April 13, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 17 and August 31 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on October 26.

When to Plant Cabbage in Mercer County, KY

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.

Mercer County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 1,559 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.

Mercer County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Mercer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Mercer County's 196-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Mercer County, KY

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 10
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

196 days in Mercer County

Growing Tips for Mercer 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 Mercer County, KY?

Mercer County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mercer County, KY?

Mercer County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Cabbage in Mercer County, KY?

In Mercer County, KY, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mercer County, KY for Cabbage?

Mercer County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Mercer County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Mercer County's temperate climate. Mercer County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer County (Zone 7a). 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 Mercer County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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