When to Plant Cabbage in Harnett County, NC
April to-do list for Harnett County, North Carolina
Your Harnett County, North Carolina garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
Get ahead of May
- Starting indoors: cabbage
- 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.
Harnett County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 613 feet, Harnett County receives approximately 53.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Harnett County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Harnett County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Harnett County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Harnett 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 — Harnett County, NC
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 | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
222 days in Harnett County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Harnett County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 29 in Harnett County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Harnett County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Harnett County, NC?
Harnett County is in Zone 7b 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 Harnett County, NC?
Harnett County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Harnett County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Harnett 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.