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When to Plant Lovage in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.

At an elevation of 1,138 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Wayne County, NY (Zone 5b) Moderate season
167 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
167 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 2

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,160 GDD — county provides 2,421 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Wayne County, NY

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 20

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 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 5b

Growing Season

167 days

Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, NY?

Wayne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, NY?

Wayne County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wayne 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 Wayne County, NY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.