When to plant Cabbage in Charles County, MD
Aim to plant Cabbage in Charles County on or after March 15; the window stays open through April 5. Charles County's 230-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Charles County, MD
Your July gardening checklist
Welcome to July in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: cabbage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Charles County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 382 feet, Charles County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Charles County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Charles County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Charles County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Charles 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 — Charles County, MD
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Charles County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Charles County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 29 in Charles County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Charles 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 Charles County, MD?
Charles County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Charles County, MD?
Charles County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 14.
When should I plant Cabbage in Charles County, MD?
In Charles County, MD, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around March 29) and before the first frost (around November 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Charles County, MD for Cabbage?
Charles County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Charles County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Charles County's temperate climate. Charles County averages a 230-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 29 and first frost around November 14.
Your Charles County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Charles County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.