When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Hinds County, MS
Hinds County, Mississippi gardeners: here's your May plan
Your Hinds 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
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Hinds County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 332 feet, Hinds County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Napa Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Hinds County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Hinds County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Napa Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Hinds County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hinds 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 — Hinds County, MS
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
239 days in Hinds County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Hinds County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 17 in Hinds County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Hinds County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Napa Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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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Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Hinds County, MS?
Hinds County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hinds County, MS?
Hinds County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Hinds County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hinds County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.