When to plant Savory in Colbert County, AL
Colbert County's short 205-day growing season means one Savory planting between April 13 and April 27. No fall crop in Zone 8a.
When to Plant Savory in Colbert County, AL
Your July game plan for Colbert County, Alabama
Here's what deserves your attention in Colbert County, Alabama this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest savory as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: savory
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.
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 380 feet, Colbert County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Savory, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.
Colbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Savory 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 Colbert County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Colbert County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
Savory Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Colbert 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 — Colbert County, AL
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Colbert County
Growing Tips for Savory in Colbert County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after April 06 in Colbert County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Colbert County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Savory. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colbert County, AL?
Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Savory in Colbert County, AL?
In Colbert County, AL, plant Savory after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Colbert County, AL for Savory?
Colbert County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Savory grow in Colbert County's climate?
Yes — Savory grows well in Colbert County's temperate climate. Colbert County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 28.
Your Colbert County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colbert County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.