When to Plant Cabbage in Smith County, TN
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.
Smith County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 3,829 feet, Smith County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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 Smith County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Smith County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cabbage.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cabbage
Cabbage needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Smith County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Cabbage Planting Timeline — Smith County, TN
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Smith County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 10 in Smith County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Smith County reach 94°F — grow Cabbage as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Smith County, TN?
Smith County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, TN?
Smith County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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