When to Plant Cabbage in Schleicher County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Schleicher County, Texas
May is a pivotal month for Schleicher County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Get cabbage seeds going inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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.
Schleicher County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 3,657 feet, Schleicher County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Schleicher County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.5-8.7
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 Schleicher County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.5–8.7) is more alkaline than Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Schleicher 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 (1.1%). 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 Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 30.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Schleicher 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 — Schleicher County, TX
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Schleicher County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Schleicher County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after April 01 in Schleicher County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Schleicher 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 Schleicher 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 Schleicher County, TX?
Schleicher County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Schleicher County, TX?
Schleicher County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 8.
Your Schleicher County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Schleicher 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.