When to Plant Cabbage in Douglas County, SD
Cabbage is a versatile cool-season crop that forms dense, leafy heads in green, red, or savoy varieties. It is a staple for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and many global cuisines.
Douglas County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 737 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cabbage to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cabbage plants in about 24 sq ft. In Douglas County's 158-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Douglas County, SD
Cabbage 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 | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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 | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Douglas County
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent heads from splitting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cabbage in Douglas County, SD?
Douglas County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, SD?
Douglas County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.