When to plant Cabbage in Meagher County, MT
In Meagher County, plant Cabbage in spring between June 3 and June 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Meagher County's last frost averages June 10, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between June 16 and June 30 — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on September 8.
When to Plant Cabbage in Meagher County, MT
This month in Meagher County, Montana
June is a pivotal month for Meagher County, Montana gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Set out cabbage seedlings
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Direct-sow cabbage
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
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Sow cabbage for an autumn harvest
Count back from your first frost (September 8) — these need to mature before the cold arrives.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: 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.
Meagher County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.
At an elevation of 5,072 feet, Meagher County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°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.
Meagher County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8
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 Meagher County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–8.0) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Meagher County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 30 sq ft. In Meagher County's 90-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.9" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.1" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Meagher 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 — Meagher County, MT
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 7 |
| Fall Sowing | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
90 days in Meagher County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Meagher County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after June 10 in Meagher County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 90.0-day growing season in Meagher County is tight for Cabbage (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Meagher County receives only 14" of rain annually. Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Meagher County, MT?
Meagher County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Meagher County, MT?
Meagher County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 8.
When should I plant Cabbage in Meagher County, MT?
In Meagher County, MT, plant Cabbage after the last frost (around June 10) and before the first frost (around September 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Meagher County, MT for Cabbage?
Meagher County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cabbage grow in Meagher County's climate?
Yes — Cabbage grows well in Meagher County's temperate climate. Meagher County averages a 90-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 10 and first frost around September 8.
Your Meagher County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Meagher County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.