When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Bennington County, VT
Your April gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Bennington County, Vermont's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Put chinese cabbage seeds straight in the ground
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
May will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Bennington County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 1,063 feet, Bennington County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Bennington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Bennington County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) is more acidic than Chinese Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bennington County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Chinese Cabbage.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage 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 | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bennington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese 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.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Bennington County, VT
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Bennington County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Bennington County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after May 12 in Bennington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chinese Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Bennington County, VT?
Bennington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bennington County, VT?
Bennington County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Bennington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bennington County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.