When to plant Cabbage in Constantine, MI
For Cabbage in Constantine, the safe spring window opens around April 14 and closes around May 5. Last expected frost is April 28, first fall frost October 16, giving a 171-day growing season. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Constantine, MI
July to-do list for St. Joseph County, Michigan
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Joseph County, Michigan.
-
Bring in the cabbage
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: cabbage
- Fall sowing: 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.
Constantine, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 564 feet, St. Joseph County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Constantine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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 Constantine
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.7) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Joseph County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Cabbage will thrive.
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 Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in St. Joseph 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 — Constantine, MI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in St. Joseph County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Constantine
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 28 in St. Joseph County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
When should I plant Cabbage in Constantine, MI?
In Constantine, MI, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Constantine, MI for Cabbage?
Constantine sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Constantine's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Constantine's temperate climate. Constantine averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 16.
Your St. Joseph County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Joseph 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.