When to Plant Cabbage in Jones County, NC
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.
Jones County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 491 feet, Jones County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Jones County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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 Jones County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Jones County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jones 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 — Jones County, NC
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 30 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
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 |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Jones County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Jones County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 23 in Jones County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Jones County's clay soil (31% 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 Jones County, NC?
Jones County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jones County, NC?
Jones County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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