When to plant Cabbage in Frontier, MI
For Cabbage in Frontier, the safe spring window opens around April 15 and closes around May 6. Last expected frost is April 29, first fall frost October 14, giving a 168-day growing season. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Frontier, MI
This month in Hillsdale County, Michigan
July is a pivotal month for Hillsdale County, Michigan gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
It's harvest week for cabbage
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Frontier, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,173 feet, Hillsdale County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Frontier Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Frontier
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hillsdale County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
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 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 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" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hillsdale 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 — Frontier, MI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
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 | — |
| 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
168 days in Hillsdale County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Frontier
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 29 in Hillsdale 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 Frontier, MI?
In Frontier, MI, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Frontier, MI for Cabbage?
Frontier sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Frontier's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Frontier's temperate climate. Frontier averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 14.
Your Hillsdale County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hillsdale 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.