When to plant Cabbage in Weld, ME
Weld's climate puts the Cabbage spring window between April 30 and May 21. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 20 to August 3 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Weld, ME
This month in Franklin County, Maine
July is a pivotal month for Franklin County, Maine gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
It's harvest week for cabbage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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Get cabbage in for a late-season harvest
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Weld, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Weld Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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 Weld
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 20.
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Franklin 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 — Weld, ME
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
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
137 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Weld
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 14 in Franklin 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 Weld, ME?
In Weld, ME, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Weld, ME for Cabbage?
Weld sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Weld's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Weld's temperate climate. Weld averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 28.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.