When to Plant Cabbage in Kimball 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.
Kimball County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 920 feet, Kimball County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Kimball County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.9
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 Kimball County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.9) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kimball County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 10.
Plant 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Kimball 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 — Kimball County, NE
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Kimball County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Kimball County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 12 in Kimball County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Kimball County receives only 20" 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 Kimball County, NE?
Kimball County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kimball County, NE?
Kimball County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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