When to Plant Pac Choi in Marion County, OH
Top priorities for Marion County, Ohio gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Marion County, Ohio's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start pac choi under lights
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Marion County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Marion County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Marion County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) is within Pac Choi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marion County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). 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 Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marion 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 — Marion County, OH
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Marion County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 26 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 177.0-day season in Marion 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 Marion County, OH?
Marion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, OH?
Marion County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.