When to Plant Pac Choi in Scotland County, NC
Your May planting checklist for Scotland County, North Carolina
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Scotland County, North Carolina this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect pac choi at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: pac choi
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
Scotland County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Scotland County receives approximately 42.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pac Choi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Scotland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Scotland County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Scotland County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Scotland County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Scotland County, NC
Pac Choi 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 4 | May 4 – Jun 1 |
| 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 |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Scotland County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Scotland County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after March 23 in Scotland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Scotland County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Pac Choi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 228.0-day season in Scotland County allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi 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. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Scotland County, NC?
Scotland County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scotland County, NC?
Scotland County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Scotland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Scotland 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.