When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Grant County, ND
Top priorities for Grant County, North Dakota gardeners in May
Your Grant County, North Dakota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Move savoy cabbage from tray to bed
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Seed savoy cabbage outdoors
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage has crinkled, deeply veined leaves that form looser heads than regular cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is more cold-tolerant.
Grant County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 757 feet, Grant County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savoy Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.4
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.4) is within Savoy Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Savoy Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Savoy Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Savoy Cabbage.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Savoy Cabbage
Savoy 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 | Savoy Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Grant County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savoy 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.
Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Grant County, ND
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
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 | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Grant County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after May 14 in Grant County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Savoy Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Grant County receives only 21" of rain annually. Savoy Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Savoy cabbage is more forgiving of temperature fluctuations than smooth-leaved types. Excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Grant County, ND?
Grant County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, ND?
Grant County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Grant 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.