When to plant Cabbage in Mecosta County, MI
For Mecosta County, gardeners: plant Cabbage April 20 through May 11 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 1 to August 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Mecosta County, MI
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.
Mecosta County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 885 feet, Mecosta County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Mecosta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Mecosta County's 159-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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Mecosta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Mecosta County, MI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Mecosta County
Growing Tips for Mecosta 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Mecosta County, MI?
Mecosta County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mecosta County, MI?
Mecosta County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Cabbage in Mecosta County, MI?
In Mecosta County, MI, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mecosta County, MI for Cabbage?
Mecosta County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Mecosta County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Mecosta County's temperate climate. Mecosta County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 10.
Your Mecosta County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mecosta County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.