When to Plant Pac Choi in Bergen County, NJ
Bergen County, New Jersey gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Bergen County, New Jersey's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Time to start pac choi inside
These need a head start before your last frost (March 29). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Harvest pac choi as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: pac choi
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
Bergen County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 350 feet, Bergen County receives approximately 47.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Bergen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 Bergen County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bergen County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi 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 | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bergen County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Bergen County, NJ
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jun 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Bergen County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Bergen County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 29 in Bergen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Bergen County allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Bergen County, NJ?
Bergen County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bergen County, NJ?
Bergen County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Bergen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bergen County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.