When to Plant Cabbage in Brown County, NE
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.
Brown County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Brown County receives approximately 25.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Brown County's 150-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Brown County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Brown County, NE
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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 | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Brown 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Brown County, NE?
Brown County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, NE?
Brown County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.