When to Plant Epazote in Woodruff County, AR
Epazote is a pungent Mexican herb traditionally cooked with black beans to reduce their gas-causing properties. It has a strong, unique flavor that is an acquired taste.
Woodruff County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 1,343 feet, Woodruff County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.
Woodruff County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Woodruff County
How your county's soil matches Epazote's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Epazote's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Woodruff County is excellent for Epazote — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Epazote.
How to Plant Epazote
Succession Planting Epazote
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Epazote
Epazote needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Epazote Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Woodruff County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Epazote 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.
Epazote Planting Timeline — Woodruff County, AR
Epazote Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
45–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Woodruff County
Growing Tips for Epazote in Woodruff County
Direct sow Epazote outdoors after March 20 in Woodruff County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 231.0-day season in Woodruff County allows multiple plantings of Epazote. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Epazote grows easily and self-sows aggressively. Use sparingly in cooking as the flavor is very strong. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Epazote in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Epazote in Woodruff County, AR?
Woodruff County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Woodruff County, AR?
Woodruff County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Woodruff County gardeners in Zone 7b 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.