When to Plant Cabbage in Elko County, NV
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.
Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.
At an elevation of 5,859 feet, Elko County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Elko County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.5
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 Elko County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.5) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Elko County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 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 Elko County's 102-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Elko 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 — Elko County, NV
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 7 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
102 days in Elko County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Elko County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after June 05 in Elko County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Elko County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Elko County reach 92°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your 102.0-day growing season in Elko 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.
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 Elko County, NV?
Elko County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 5. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elko County, NV?
Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and first fall frost is September 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Elko County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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