When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Caswell County, NC
Caswell County, North Carolina gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Caswell County, North Carolina's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Begin indoor sowing: savoy cabbage
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.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage has crinkled, deeply veined leaves that form looser heads than regular cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is more cold-tolerant.
Caswell County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 608 feet, Caswell County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Savoy Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Savoy Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Caswell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.2
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 Caswell County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.2) is more acidic than Savoy Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Caswell County is excellent for Savoy Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Savoy Cabbage.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Savoy Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Savoy Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Caswell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savoy 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.
Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Caswell County, NC
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Caswell County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Caswell County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after April 06 in Caswell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Caswell County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Savoy Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Savoy 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. Savoy cabbage is more forgiving of temperature fluctuations than smooth-leaved types. Excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Caswell County, NC?
Caswell County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caswell County, NC?
Caswell County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Caswell County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caswell 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.