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When to plant Cabbage in Baraga County, MI

In Zone 5a (Baraga County), direct-sow Cabbage between May 5 and May 26 for spring, after the May 19 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 24 to August 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Baraga County, MI

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.

Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.

At an elevation of 575 feet, Baraga County receives approximately 38.8 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.

Baraga County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
136 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
136 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Baraga County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Baraga County's 136-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage

Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Baraga County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Baraga County, MI

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 – Jun 2
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 – Sep 15
Fall Sowing July 24 Jul 24 – Aug 7

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

136 days in Baraga County

Growing Tips for Baraga County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Baraga County, MI?

Baraga County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baraga County, MI?

Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Cabbage in Baraga County, MI?

In Baraga County, MI, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baraga County, MI for Cabbage?

Baraga County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Baraga County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Baraga County's temperate climate. Baraga County averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Baraga County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baraga 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Baraga County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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