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When to Plant Savory in Otsego County, MI

Summer savory is an annual herb with a peppery, thyme-like flavor that pairs especially well with beans. Winter savory is a perennial with a stronger flavor.

Otsego County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Otsego County receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.

Otsego County, MI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Otsego County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Aug 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Sep 27

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Savory needs ~690 GDD — county provides 1,817 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline โ€” Otsego County, MI

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 โ€“ May 29
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Sep 4

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

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 4b

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Otsego County

Direct sow summer savory after last frost. Plant winter savory from divisions or cuttings. Harvest stems before flowering for best flavor. Use fresh or dried.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Otsego County, MI?

Otsego County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Otsego County, MI?

Otsego County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Otsego County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Otsego County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.