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When to plant Cabbage in Clare County County,

Clare County County'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 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Clare 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.

Clare County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 1,150 feet, Clare County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.

Clare County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3
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Clare County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.1

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 Clare County's 142-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 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Clare County, MI

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 25 Jul 25 – Aug 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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
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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

142 days in Clare County

Growing Tips for Clare 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 Clare County, MI?

Clare County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clare County, MI?

Clare County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Cabbage in Clare County County, ?

In Clare County County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clare County County, for Cabbage?

Clare County 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 Clare County County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Clare County County's temperate climate. Clare County County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 3.

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Your Clare County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clare 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 Clare County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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