When to Plant Savory in Cibola County, NM
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.
Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 4,342 feet, Cibola County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Savory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Savory successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Cibola County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.1-8.6
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 Cibola County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.6) is more alkaline than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Cibola County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Savory will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Savory
Savory needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Savory Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cibola County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savory Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Savory Planting Timeline — Cibola County, NM
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Cibola County
Growing Tips for Savory in Cibola County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after May 23 in Cibola County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Cibola County dries quickly — mulch Savory with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Cibola County receives only 15" of rain annually. Savory needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savory in Cibola County, NM?
Cibola County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cibola County, NM?
Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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