When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Kimball County, NE
May to-do list for Kimball County, Nebraska
May is a pivotal month for Kimball County, Nebraska gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Get napa cabbage in the ground
Frost risk is low now in Kimball County, Nebraska. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: napa cabbage
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Kimball County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. 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 Napa 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 Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.9) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kimball County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Napa Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage 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 | Napa 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 | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 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.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Kimball County, NE
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Kimball County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Kimball County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after May 12 in Kimball County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa 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. Napa Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Kimball County, NE?
Kimball County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Napa 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 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Kimball County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kimball 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.