When to Plant Horehound in Meade County, SD
Horehound is a woolly, drought-tolerant perennial herb traditionally used for cough remedies and candy. It has a distinctive bitter, menthol-like flavor.
Meade County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 889 feet, Meade County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horehound to ensure they mature before fall.
Meade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Horehound Planting Timeline — Meade County, SD
Horehound Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
75–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
145 days
Growing Tips for Meade County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Horehound in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horehound in Meade County, SD?
Meade County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Horehound planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Meade County, SD?
Meade County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Meade County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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