When to Plant Caraway in Henry 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.
Henry County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 746 feet, Henry County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Caraway during the growing season.
Henry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Henry County
How your county's soil matches Caraway's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) is within Caraway's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Henry County is excellent for Caraway — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Caraway.
How to Plant Caraway
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Caraway Planting Timeline — Henry County, OH
Caraway Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Henry County
Growing Tips for Caraway in Henry County
Direct sow Caraway outdoors after April 28 in Henry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 172.0-day growing season in Henry 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 Henry County, OH?
Henry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Caraway planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henry County, OH?
Henry County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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