When to Plant Kohlrabi in Barbour County, WV
Your May planting checklist for Barbour County, West Virginia
A quick May briefing for Barbour County, West Virginia gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: kohlrabi
- First harvests: kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.
Barbour County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 2,565 feet, Barbour County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season.
Barbour County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 Barbour County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Kohlrabi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Barbour County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barbour County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi 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.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Barbour County, WV
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Barbour County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Barbour County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after April 30 in Barbour County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 170.0-day season in Barbour County allows multiple plantings of Kohlrabi. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kohlrabi 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. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Barbour County, WV?
Barbour County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barbour County, WV?
Barbour County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Barbour County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Barbour County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.