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When to Plant Savory in Buchanan County, VA

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.

Buchanan County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 2,193 feet, Buchanan County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.

Buchanan County, VA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Buchanan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 11

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Savory needs ~1,095 GDD — county provides 3,212 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline โ€” Buchanan County, VA

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Aug 21

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 Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for Buchanan 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 Buchanan County, VA?

Buchanan County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Buchanan County, VA?

Buchanan County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 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 Buchanan County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Buchanan County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.