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When to Plant Sage in Benewah County, ID

Sage is a woody perennial herb with velvety gray-green leaves and a warm, peppery flavor. It is a traditional seasoning for poultry, stuffing, and sausage.

Benewah County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 6,081 feet, Benewah County receives approximately 20.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sage during the growing season.

Benewah County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Benewah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 29 – Oct 24

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
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Sage needs ~1,444 GDD — county provides 2,555 GDD Excellent fit

Sage Planting Timeline โ€” Benewah County, ID

Sage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 โ€“ May 29
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Sep 25

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

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

75โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Benewah County

Start from seed or cuttings. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Replace plants every 4-5 years when they become woody and less productive. Excellent drainage is essential.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cucumber
  • Rue

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sage in Benewah County, ID?

Benewah County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Sage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benewah County, ID?

Benewah County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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