Blog

When to Plant Borage in Washakie County, WY

Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.

Washakie County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 6,932 feet, Washakie County receives approximately 13.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Washakie County, WY (Zone 4a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Washakie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 25

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 187 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Borage needs ~715 GDD — county provides 1,885 GDD Excellent fit

Borage Planting Timeline โ€” Washakie County, WY

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Fall Sowing July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Jul 24
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Aug 16

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

50โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 4a

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Washakie County

Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Washakie County, WY?

Washakie County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washakie County, WY?

Washakie County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washakie County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washakie County, WY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.