When to Plant Cabbage in Westchester County, NY
May in Westchester County, New York — your action list
Your Westchester County, New York garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start cabbage indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Bring in the cabbage
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: cabbage
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.
Westchester County, New York is in USDA Zone 7a. 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 547 feet, Westchester County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Westchester County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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 Westchester County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.7) is more acidic than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Westchester County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Westchester 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 — Westchester County, NY
Cabbage 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 31 | May 31 – Jul 26 |
| 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 | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Westchester County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Westchester County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 29 in Westchester County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Westchester County reach 91°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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 Westchester County, NY?
Westchester County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Westchester County, NY?
Westchester County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Westchester County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Westchester County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.