When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Lake of the Woods County, MN
This month in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota
Each item below is timed to Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Move chinese cabbage from tray to bed
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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Seed chinese cabbage outdoors
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: chinese cabbage
- Fall sowing: chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Lake of the Woods County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake of the Woods County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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 Lake of the Woods County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.2) overlaps with Chinese Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake of the Woods County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Chinese Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 30.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lake of the Woods County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese 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.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Lake of the Woods County, MN
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 11 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Lake of the Woods County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Lake of the Woods County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after May 19 in Lake of the Woods County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chinese Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Lake of the Woods County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lake of the Woods County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.