When to plant Cabbage in Nelson County County,
Aim to plant Cabbage in Nelson County County on or after March 23; the window stays open through April 13. Nelson County County's 208-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Nelson County, KY
June in the garden — Nelson County, Kentucky
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Nelson County, Kentucky.
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Start harvesting cabbage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: 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.
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 2,068 feet, Nelson County receives approximately 46.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Nelson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 Nelson County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nelson County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nelson 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 — Nelson County, KY
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Nelson County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Nelson County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 06 in Nelson 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 Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Cabbage in Nelson County County, ?
In Nelson County County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nelson County County, for Cabbage?
Nelson County 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 Nelson County County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Nelson County County's temperate climate. Nelson County County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your Nelson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nelson 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.