When to Plant Pac Choi in Motley County, TX
May in the garden — Motley County, Texas
A quick May briefing for Motley County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start pac choi indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Pick pac choi
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: pac choi
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 3,983 feet, Motley County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Pac Choi may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pac Choi root diseases.
Motley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.4
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 Motley County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Pac Choi prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Motley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Pac Choi will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi 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 | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 13.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 6.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Motley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Motley County, TX
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Motley County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Motley County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after April 07 in Motley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Motley County dries quickly — mulch Pac Choi with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Motley County, provide afternoon shade for Pac Choi and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 209.0-day season in Motley County allows multiple plantings of Pac Choi. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Motley County, TX?
Motley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Motley County, TX?
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Motley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Motley County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.