When to plant Cabbage in Rockcastle County, KY
In Rockcastle County, plant Cabbage in spring between April 2 and April 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Rockcastle County's last frost averages April 16, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 14 and August 28 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on October 23.
When to Plant Cabbage in Rockcastle County, KY
What to do in June
A quick June briefing for Rockcastle County, Kentucky gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start harvesting cabbage
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Rockcastle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,677 feet, Rockcastle County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Rockcastle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
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 Rockcastle County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.9) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Rockcastle County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rockcastle 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 — Rockcastle County, KY
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 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Rockcastle County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Rockcastle County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 16 in Rockcastle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Rockcastle County reach 91°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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 Rockcastle County, KY?
Rockcastle County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rockcastle County, KY?
Rockcastle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Cabbage in Rockcastle County, KY?
In Rockcastle County, KY, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rockcastle County, KY for Cabbage?
Rockcastle 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 Rockcastle County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Rockcastle County's temperate climate. Rockcastle County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 23.
Your Rockcastle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rockcastle 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.