When to plant Cabbage in Millinocket, ME
For Millinocket, gardeners: plant Cabbage April 26 through May 17 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 24 to August 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Millinocket, ME
Penobscot County, Maine gardeners: here's your June plan
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Penobscot County, Maine.
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Get cabbage seeds going inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Millinocket, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 842 feet, Penobscot County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Millinocket Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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 Millinocket
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.7) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Penobscot 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 Jun 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 24.
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Penobscot 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 — Millinocket, ME
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Penobscot County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Millinocket
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 10 in Penobscot 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 Millinocket, ME?
In Millinocket, ME, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Millinocket, ME for Cabbage?
Millinocket sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Millinocket's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Millinocket's temperate climate. Millinocket averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 2.
Your Penobscot County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Penobscot County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.