When to Plant Kohlrabi in Lincoln County, NC
Your May game plan for Lincoln County, North Carolina
Here's what deserves your attention in Lincoln County, North Carolina this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Begin indoor sowing: kohlrabi
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Collect kohlrabi at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.
Lincoln County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.
At an elevation of 383 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kohlrabi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Kohlrabi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi 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.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, NC
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
212 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Lincoln County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after April 03 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lincoln County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Kohlrabi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 212.0-day season in Lincoln County allows multiple plantings of Kohlrabi. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kohlrabi 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. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Lincoln County, NC?
Lincoln County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, NC?
Lincoln County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.