When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Harrison County, MS
What to do in May
Your Harrison County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for napa cabbage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: napa cabbage
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.
Harrison County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 190 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Napa Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Harrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Harrison County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) is more acidic than Napa Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Harrison County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Napa Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa 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 | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Harrison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Harrison County, MS
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Harrison County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Harrison County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 04 in Harrison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Harrison County dries quickly — mulch Napa Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Harrison County, provide afternoon shade for Napa Cabbage and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Napa 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. 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Harrison County, MS?
Harrison County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harrison County, MS?
Harrison County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
Your Harrison County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Harrison County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.