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When to Plant Epazote in Brooke County, WV

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.

Brooke County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 3,251 feet, Brooke County receives approximately 47.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Epazote during the growing season.

Brooke County, WV (Zone 6a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Brooke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 3

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Epazote needs ~958 GDD — county provides 3,449 GDD Excellent fit

Epazote Planting Timeline โ€” Brooke County, WV

Epazote Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 21
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 โ€“ Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July 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

45โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

189 days

Growing Tips for Brooke County

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Epazote in Brooke County, WV?

Brooke County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Epazote planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brooke County, WV?

Brooke County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 29.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Brooke County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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