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When to Plant Comfrey in Cheshire County, NH

Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.

Cheshire County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 708 feet, Cheshire County receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Cheshire County, NH (Zone 5a) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Cheshire County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Oct 5

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
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 2,247 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Cheshire County, NH

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 โ€“ May 29
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Sep 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

155 days

Growing Tips for Cheshire County

Plant root cuttings 2 inches deep. Choose Bocking 14 variety to prevent self-seeding. Cut leaves 3-4 times per season for mulch or compost. Avoid planting near pathways as it spreads.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Cheshire County, NH?

Cheshire County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cheshire County, NH?

Cheshire County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cheshire County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Cheshire County, NH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.