When to plant Cabbage in Big Stone County County,
For Cabbage in Big Stone County County, the safe spring window opens around April 25 and closes around May 16. Last expected frost is May 2, first fall frost October 4, giving a 155-day growing season. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Big Stone County, MN
Top priorities for Big Stone County, Minnesota gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Big Stone County, Minnesota this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Begin indoor sowing: cabbage
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Big Stone County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 823 feet, Big Stone County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Big Stone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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 Big Stone County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.3) is within Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Big Stone County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 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 12.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Big Stone 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 — Big Stone County, MN
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Big Stone County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Big Stone County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 02 in Big Stone 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 Big Stone County, MN?
Big Stone County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Big Stone County, MN?
Big Stone County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Cabbage in Big Stone County, ?
In Big Stone County, , plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Big Stone County, for Cabbage?
Big Stone County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Big Stone County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Big Stone County's temperate climate. Big Stone County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 4.
Your Big Stone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Big Stone County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.