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When to Plant Lovage in Chenango County, NY

Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.

Chenango County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.

At an elevation of 841 feet, Chenango County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Chenango County, NY (Zone 5a) Short season
148 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
148 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Chenango County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 2 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Oct 13

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 2,257 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Chenango County, NY

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Sep 29

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 Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

148 days

Growing Tips for Chenango County

Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Chenango County, NY?

Chenango County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chenango County, NY?

Chenango County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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