When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Webster County, WV
Your May gardening checklist
May is a pivotal month for Webster County, West Virginia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: napa cabbage
- First harvests: napa cabbage
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Webster County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 2,569 feet, Webster County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Webster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Webster County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Napa Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Webster County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa 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 | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Webster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Webster County, WV
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" 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
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Webster County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Webster County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after April 27 in Webster County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa 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. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Webster County, WV?
Webster County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Webster County, WV?
Webster County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Webster 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.