When to Plant Pac Choi in Benson County, ND
This month in Benson County, North Dakota
Your garden in Benson County, North Dakota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Harden off and plant pac choi
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Plant pac choi from seed, right in the garden
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: pac choi
- 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.
Benson County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 869 feet, Benson County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pac Choi to ensure they mature before fall.
Benson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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 Benson County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Benson County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Benson 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 — Benson County, ND
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Benson County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Benson County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 13 in Benson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Benson County, ND?
Benson County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benson County, ND?
Benson County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Benson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Benson County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.