When to plant Pac Choi in Big Horn County County,
For Pac Choi in Big Horn County County, the safe spring window opens around April 29 and closes around May 20. Last expected frost is May 13, first fall frost September 30, giving a 140-day growing season. A second sowing from July 22 to August 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Pac Choi in Big Horn County, MT
Big Horn County, Montana gardeners: here's your June plan
A quick June briefing for Big Horn County, Montana gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Sow pac choi in trays indoors
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
-
Bring in the pac choi
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: pac choi
- Fall sowing: pac choi
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
Big Horn County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 5,955 feet, Big Horn County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pac Choi to ensure they mature before fall.
Big Horn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Pac Choi 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 Big Horn County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Big Horn County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 22.
Pac Choi Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi 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 | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Big Horn County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Big Horn County, MT
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Big Horn County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Big Horn County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 13 in Big Horn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 140.0-day season in Big Horn County allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Big Horn County receives only 22" of rain annually. Pac Choi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Big Horn County, MT?
Big Horn County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Big Horn County, MT?
Big Horn County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 30.
When should I plant Pac Choi in Big Horn County County, ?
In Big Horn County County, , plant Pac Choi after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Big Horn County County, for Pac Choi?
Big Horn County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pac Choi grow in Big Horn County County's climate?
Yes — Pac Choi grows well in Big Horn County County's temperate climate. Big Horn County County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 30.
Your Big Horn County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Big Horn County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.