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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Hocking 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.

Hocking County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 1,354 feet, Hocking County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.

Hocking County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Hocking County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (65 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (62 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 5

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 198 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~894 GDD — county provides 2,488 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Hocking County, OH

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
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 6a

Growing Season

181 days

Growing Tips for Hocking 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 Hocking County, OH?

Hocking County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hocking County, OH?

Hocking County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hocking County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Hocking County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.