When to Plant Pac Choi in Steele County, ND
This month in Steele County, North Dakota
Your garden in Steele County, North Dakota is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Move pac choi from tray to bed
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
-
Direct-sow pac choi
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Steele County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 624 feet, Steele County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pac Choi to ensure they mature before fall.
Steele County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Steele County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Pac Choi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Steele County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Steele 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 — Steele County, ND
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Steele County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Steele County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 11 in Steele County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 143.0-day season in Steele 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.
Steele County receives only 22" of rain annually. Pac Choi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Steele County, ND?
Steele County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Steele County, ND?
Steele County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.
Your Steele County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Steele 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.