When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Buffalo County, SD
This month in Buffalo County, South Dakota
Your Buffalo County, South Dakota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
Before May arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: napa cabbage
- Direct-sowing: napa cabbage
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Buffalo County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 840 feet, Buffalo County receives approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Buffalo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 Buffalo County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Buffalo County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Napa Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa 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 | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Buffalo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Buffalo County, SD
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Buffalo County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Buffalo County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after May 09 in Buffalo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Buffalo County receives only 24" of rain annually. Napa Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Buffalo County, SD?
Buffalo County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Buffalo County, SD?
Buffalo County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Buffalo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Buffalo County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.