When to Plant Pac Choi in Westmoreland County, PA
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: pac choi
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Westmoreland County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.
Westmoreland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Westmoreland County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) is more acidic than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Westmoreland County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). 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 Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 18.
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 | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Westmoreland 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 — Westmoreland County, PA
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
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 |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Westmoreland County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Westmoreland County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 23 in Westmoreland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 187.0-day season in Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County, PA?
Westmoreland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Westmoreland County, PA?
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Westmoreland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Westmoreland County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.