When to Plant Cabbage in Washington Parish, LA
April in the garden — Washington Parish, Louisiana
Each item below is timed to Washington Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: cabbage
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- 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.
Washington Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 439 feet, Washington Parish receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Washington Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Washington Parish
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.3) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Washington Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 13.
Plant 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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Washington Parish). 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 — Washington Parish, LA
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 18 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | September 13 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Washington Parish
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Washington Parish
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 11 in Washington Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Washington Parish dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Washington Parish reach 93°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 Washington Parish, LA?
Washington Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington Parish, LA?
Washington Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 22.
Your Washington Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Washington Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.