When to Plant Bok Choy in Union County, NM
May in Union County, New Mexico — your action list
Your Union County, New Mexico garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: bok choy
- First harvests: bok choy
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Union County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 6,384 feet, Union County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Bok Choy will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Bok Choy successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.9-8.3
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 Union County
How your county's soil matches Bok Choy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.3) is more alkaline than Bok Choy prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Union County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Bok Choy will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Bok Choy is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Bok Choy.
How to Plant Bok Choy
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bok Choy
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 31.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bok Choy
Bok Choy needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bok Choy Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 0.4" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.4" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bok Choy 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.
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Union County, NM
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in Union County
Direct sow Bok Choy outdoors after April 30 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Union County dries quickly — mulch Bok Choy with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 162.0-day season in Union County allows multiple plantings of Bok Choy. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Bok Choy 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 for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Union County, NM?
Union County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, NM?
Union County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.