When to Plant Caraway in Ashtabula County, OH
Caraway is a biennial herb grown for its distinctive crescent-shaped seeds used in rye bread, sauerkraut, and European cuisine. The leaves and roots are also edible.
Ashtabula County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 963 feet, Ashtabula County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Caraway to ensure they mature before fall.
Ashtabula County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Ashtabula County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Caraway's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ashtabula County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Caraway will thrive.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Caraway Planting Timeline — Ashtabula County, OH
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" 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 | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–450 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Ashtabula County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Ashtabula County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 29 in Ashtabula County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 176.0-day growing season in Ashtabula County is tight for Caraway (365.0-450.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Caraway in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Caraway produces seeds in its second year. Harvest seed heads when they turn brown. The young leaves can be used like parsley.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Caraway in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Caraway in Ashtabula County, OH?
Ashtabula County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ashtabula County, OH?
Ashtabula County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ashtabula County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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