When to plant Cabbage in Wilkin County, MN
In Zone 4a (Wilkin County), direct-sow Cabbage between May 4 and May 25 for spring, after the May 11 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 8 to July 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cabbage in Wilkin County, MN
August to-do list for Wilkin County, Minnesota
August is a pivotal month for Wilkin County, Minnesota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect cabbage at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of September
- First harvests: 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.
Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,365 feet, Wilkin County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Wilkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
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 Wilkin County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wilkin 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 (5.0%) — 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 08.
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wilkin 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 — Wilkin County, MN
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Wilkin County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Wilkin County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 11 in Wilkin 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 Wilkin County, MN?
Wilkin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilkin County, MN?
Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.
When should I plant Cabbage in Wilkin County, MN?
In Wilkin County, MN, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wilkin County, MN for Cabbage?
Wilkin County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Wilkin County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Wilkin County's temperate climate. Wilkin County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 30.
Your Wilkin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wilkin County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.