When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Nottoway County, VA
May in Nottoway County, Virginia — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Nottoway County, Virginia this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start savoy cabbage indoors
You're about 25 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: savoy cabbage
Savoy cabbage has crinkled, deeply veined leaves that form looser heads than regular cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is more cold-tolerant.
Nottoway County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 1,054 feet, Nottoway County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Savoy Cabbage during the growing season.
Nottoway County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 Nottoway County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Savoy Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nottoway County is excellent for Savoy Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Savoy Cabbage.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Savoy Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Savoy Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Nottoway County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savoy 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.
Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Nottoway County, VA
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
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 Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Nottoway County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Nottoway County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after April 02 in Nottoway County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Savoy 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. Savoy cabbage is more forgiving of temperature fluctuations than smooth-leaved types. Excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Nottoway County, VA?
Nottoway County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nottoway County, VA?
Nottoway County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Nottoway County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nottoway 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.