When to Plant Cabbage in Wayne 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.
Wayne County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 736 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Wayne County's 224-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
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 | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wayne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Wayne County, NC
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 24 |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Wayne County
Growing Tips for Wayne County
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 Wayne County, NC?
Wayne County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, NC?
Wayne County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne 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.