When to Plant Pac Choi in Susquehanna County, PA
May to-do list for Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Your Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Harden off and plant pac choi
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,094 feet, Susquehanna County receives approximately 49.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Susquehanna County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
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 Susquehanna County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.5) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Susquehanna County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Susquehanna 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 — Susquehanna County, PA
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Susquehanna County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Susquehanna County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after May 01 in Susquehanna County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 168.0-day season in Susquehanna 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 Susquehanna County, PA?
Susquehanna County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Susquehanna County, PA?
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Susquehanna County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Susquehanna 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.