When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Wood County, OH
This month in Wood County, Ohio
Your Wood County, Ohio garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
-
Move chinese cabbage into the garden
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
-
Seed chinese cabbage outdoors
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Wood County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 714 feet, Wood County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Wood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Wood County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Chinese Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wood County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Chinese Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage 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 | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wood County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese 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.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Wood County, OH
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Wood County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Wood County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after April 27 in Wood County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chinese Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Wood County, OH?
Wood County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wood County, OH?
Wood County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 21.
Your Wood County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wood County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.