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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Ware County, GA

Lemon balm is a vigorous perennial herb with bright green, lemon-scented leaves. It makes a refreshing tea and is easy to grow but can spread aggressively.

Ware County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.

At an elevation of 482 feet, Ware County receives approximately 56.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Lemon Balm may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lemon Balm, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Balm root diseases.

Ware County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
263 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
263 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Ware County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lemon Balm Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ware County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline β€” Ware County, GA

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Harvest May 13 May 13 – Jul 1

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 8" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April β€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–70 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

263 days in Ware County

Growing Tips for Ware County

Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Contain in pots or use barriers to prevent spreading. Harvest frequently to keep plants bushy and prevent flowering.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in Ware County, GA?

Ware County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ware County, GA?

Ware County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Ware County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Ware County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.