When to Plant Bok Choy in Pontotoc County, OK
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Start bok choy under lights
These need a head start before your last frost (March 27). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Collect bok choy at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: bok choy
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 857 feet, Pontotoc County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Pontotoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.8
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 Pontotoc County
How your county's soil matches Bok Choy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.8) overlaps with Bok Choy's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pontotoc County is excellent for Bok Choy — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Bok Choy.
How to Plant Bok Choy
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bok Choy
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bok Choy
Bok Choy needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bok Choy Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 1.4" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.3" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Pontotoc County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bok Choy 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.
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Pontotoc County, OK
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Pontotoc County
Growing Tips for Bok Choy in Pontotoc County
Direct sow Bok Choy outdoors after March 27 in Pontotoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 220.0-day season in Pontotoc County allows multiple plantings of Bok Choy. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Bok Choy 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 for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Pontotoc County, OK?
Pontotoc County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pontotoc County, OK?
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Pontotoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pontotoc County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.