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When to plant Cabbage in Mason County, MI

Plant Cabbage in Mason County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 1. Continue planting through May 22 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Mason 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.

Mason County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 1,318 feet, Mason County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.

Mason County, MI (Zone 6a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Mason County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

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 Mason County's 145-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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Mason County, MI

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Sep 11
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

145 days in Mason County

Growing Tips for Mason 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 Mason County, MI?

Mason County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mason County, MI?

Mason County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Cabbage in Mason County, MI?

In Mason County, MI, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mason County, MI for Cabbage?

Mason County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cabbage grow in Mason County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Mason County's temperate climate. Mason County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around October 7.

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Your Mason County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mason County (Zone 6a). 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 Mason County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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