When to Plant Cabbage in Iron County, WI
May to-do list for Iron County, Wisconsin
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Iron County, Wisconsin.
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Get cabbage in the ground
Frost risk is low now in Iron County, Wisconsin. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Scatter cabbage into prepared beds
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
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.
Iron County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 841 feet, Iron County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Iron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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 Iron County
How your county's soil matches Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.9) overlaps with Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Iron County is excellent for Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cabbage
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 03.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Iron 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 — Iron County, WI
Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Iron County
Growing Tips for Cabbage in Iron County
Direct sow Cabbage outdoors after May 22 in Iron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Iron County, WI?
Iron County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Iron County, WI?
Iron County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.
Your Iron County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Iron County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.