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When to Plant Lemon Balm in Scioto 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.

Scioto County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 851 feet, Scioto County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season.

Scioto County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Scioto County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Aug 19
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 169 gal / 100 sq ft
Lemon Balm needs ~991 GDD — county provides 2,775 GDD Excellent fit

Lemon Balm Planting Timeline โ€” Scioto County, OH

Lemon Balm Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 โ€“ Aug 19

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

182 days

Growing Tips for Scioto 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 Scioto County, OH?

Scioto County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scioto County, OH?

Scioto County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 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 Scioto 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 Scioto County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.