When to Plant Horehound in Catron County, NM
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
At an elevation of 8,232 feet, Catron County receives approximately 10.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Horehound will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Horehound successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Catron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 Catron County
How your county's soil matches Horehound's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.7) overlaps with Horehound's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Catron County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Horehound will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Horehound.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Horehound.
How to Plant Horehound
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Horehound
Horehound 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 | Horehound Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Catron County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horehound 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.
Horehound Planting Timeline — Catron County, NM
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
75–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
111 days in Catron County
Growing Tips for Horehound in Catron County
Direct sow Horehound outdoors after June 03 in Catron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Catron County dries quickly — mulch Horehound with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Catron County receives only 10" of rain annually. Horehound needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow or start from divisions. Thrives in poor, dry soil. Harvest stems just before flowering. Deadhead to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Catron County, NM?
Catron County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catron County, NM?
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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