When to Plant Cabbage in Martin County, TX
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.
Martin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 4,922 feet, Martin County receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cabbage root diseases.
Martin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.7
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 Martin County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.7) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Martin County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). 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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.9" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Martin 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 — Martin County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 22 |
| 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 | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Martin County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Martin County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after March 25 in Martin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Martin 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 Martin County reach 100°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 Martin County, TX?
Martin County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Martin County, TX?
Martin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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