When to Plant Pac Choi in Grant County, NM
May in the garden — Grant County, New Mexico
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Grant County, New Mexico this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
June prep starts now
- Starting indoors: pac choi
- 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.
Grant County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 3,721 feet, Grant County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pac Choi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.9-8.2
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.2) is more alkaline than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Grant County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Pac Choi is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.3" | 6.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.6" | 5.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grant 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 — Grant County, NM
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Grant County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 27 in Grant County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Grant County dries quickly — mulch Pac Choi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 178.0-day season in Grant 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.
Grant County receives only 16" of rain annually. Pac Choi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Grant County, NM?
Grant County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, NM?
Grant County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grant 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.