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When to plant Cabbage in Hill County, MT

Hill County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Plant Cabbage between May 7 (after last frost on May 14) and May 28. A second sowing from July 1 to July 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cabbage in Hill County, MT

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.

Hill County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 5,229 feet, Hill County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Hill County, MT (Zone 4a) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Hill County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cabbage to Grow

2-4 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Hill County's 132-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Cabbage Planting Timeline — Hill County, MT

Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 – May 28
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Sep 10
Fall Sowing July 1 Jul 1 – Jul 15

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

132 days in Hill County

Growing Tips for Hill County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cabbage in Hill County, MT?

Hill County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hill County, MT?

Hill County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.

When should I plant Cabbage in Hill County, MT?

In Hill County, MT, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hill County, MT for Cabbage?

Hill 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 Hill County's climate?

Yes — Cabbage grows well in Hill County's temperate climate. Hill County averages a 132-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 23.

🌱

Your Hill County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hill 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hill County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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