When to Plant Cabbage in Wexford County, MI
May in Wexford County, Michigan — your action list
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Time to transplant cabbage
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
-
Scatter cabbage into prepared beds
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
Wexford County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,167 feet, Wexford County receives approximately 35.8 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.
Wexford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Wexford County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wexford County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — 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 Jun 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 26.
Plant 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Wexford 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 — Wexford County, MI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 26 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Wexford County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Wexford County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 17 in Wexford 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Wexford County, MI?
Wexford County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wexford County, MI?
Wexford County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Wexford County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wexford 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.