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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Dodge County, MN

The best window to plant Napa Cabbage in Dodge County, is April 21–May 12, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 28; first frost October 7. A second sowing from July 15 to July 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Dodge County, MN

Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.

Dodge County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 1,261 feet, Dodge County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Dodge County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Dodge County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage

Napa 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 Napa Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dodge County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Dodge County, MN

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 28
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 – Jul 29

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

55–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Dodge County

Growing Tips for Dodge County

Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Dodge County, MN?

Dodge County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dodge County, MN?

Dodge County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Dodge County, MN?

In Dodge County, MN, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dodge County, MN for Napa Cabbage?

Dodge County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Napa Cabbage grow in Dodge County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Dodge County's temperate climate. Dodge County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Dodge County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dodge 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dodge County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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