When to Plant Rue in Smith County, TN
Rue is a bitter, aromatic perennial herb with bluish-green foliage used historically in medicine and as a pest deterrent. Handle with care as its sap can cause skin irritation.
Smith County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 3,829 feet, Smith County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Rue during the growing season.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Smith County
How your county's soil matches Rue's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.0) overlaps with Rue's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Smith County is excellent for Rue — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Rue.
How to Plant Rue
Succession Planting Rue
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Rue Planting Timeline — Smith County, TN
Rue Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Rue in Smith County
Direct sow Rue outdoors after April 10 in Smith County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow. Plant in well-drained soil. Wear gloves when handling as sap can cause phytophotodermatitis. Prune in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Rue in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rue in Smith County, TN?
Smith County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Rue planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, TN?
Smith County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Smith County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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