When to Plant Cabbage in Crane County, TX
May in Crane County, Texas — your action list
Your Crane County, Texas 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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Bring in the cabbage
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: cabbage
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.
Crane County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 4,486 feet, Crane County receives approximately 46.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Crane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.1-8.4
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 Crane County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.4) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Crane County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.1%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Crane 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 — Crane County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Crane County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Crane County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 20 in Crane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Crane County dries quickly — mulch Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Crane County reach 98°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 Crane County, TX?
Crane County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crane County, TX?
Crane County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Crane County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crane County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.