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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Harrison County, OH

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.

Harrison County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,138 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.

Harrison County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Harrison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 10

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
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 173 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~894 GDD — county provides 2,502 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Harrison County, OH

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Aug 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“70 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Harrison 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lemon Balm in Harrison County, OH?

Harrison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harrison County, OH?

Harrison County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Harrison County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Harrison County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.