When to Plant Angelica in Covington County, AL
May to-do list for Covington County, Alabama
Here's what deserves your attention in Covington County, Alabama this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
Angelica is a dramatic biennial herb that can reach 6 feet tall with large compound leaves and globe-shaped flower clusters. All parts are edible with a sweet, celery-like flavor.
Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 392 feet, Covington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Angelica may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Angelica, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Angelica root diseases.
Covington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 Covington County
How your county's soil matches Angelica's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) overlaps with Angelica's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Covington County is excellent for Angelica — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Angelica.
How to Plant Angelica
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Angelica
Angelica needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Angelica Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Covington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Angelica 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.
Angelica Planting Timeline — Covington County, AL
Angelica Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Covington County
Growing Tips for Angelica in Covington County
Direct sow Angelica outdoors after March 20 in Covington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Covington County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Angelica. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your 236.0-day growing season in Covington County is tight for Angelica (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Angelica in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow fresh seeds in fall for spring germination. Provide rich, moist soil and partial shade. Harvest stems in the second year before flowering for candying or flavoring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Angelica in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Angelica in Covington County, AL?
Covington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Angelica planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Covington County, AL?
Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Covington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Covington County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.