When to Plant Garlic Chives in Monroe County, MO
Garlic chives are a perennial herb with flat leaves that have a mild garlic flavor. They produce attractive white flower clusters and are used in Asian cooking.
Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,128 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.6) overlaps with Garlic Chives's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Garlic Chives prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic Chives.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Succession Planting Garlic Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives 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 | Garlic Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Chives 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.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MO
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Monroe County
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after April 14 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Garlic Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions. Cut flower stalks before seeds set to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Both leaves and flower buds are edible and flavorful.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Monroe County, MO?
Monroe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, MO?
Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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