When to Plant Lemon Balm in Mississippi County, AR
May to-do list for Mississippi County, Arkansas
Welcome to May in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: lemon balm
Lemon balm is a vigorous perennial herb with bright green, lemon-scented leaves. It makes a refreshing tea and is easy to grow but can spread aggressively.
Mississippi County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 1,005 feet, Mississippi County receives approximately 53.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lemon Balm during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lemon Balm root diseases.
Mississippi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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 Mississippi County
How your county's soil matches Lemon Balm's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.9) is within Lemon Balm's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mississippi County is excellent for Lemon Balm — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Lemon Balm.
How to Plant Lemon Balm
Succession Planting Lemon Balm
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm 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 | Lemon Balm Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mississippi County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lemon Balm 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.
Lemon Balm Planting Timeline — Mississippi County, AR
Lemon Balm Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 24 |
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 | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Mississippi County
Growing Tips for Lemon Balm in Mississippi County
Direct sow Lemon Balm outdoors after March 27 in Mississippi County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Contain in pots or use barriers to prevent spreading. Harvest frequently to keep plants bushy and prevent flowering.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lemon Balm in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lemon Balm in Mississippi County, AR?
Mississippi County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Lemon Balm planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mississippi County, AR?
Mississippi County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Mississippi County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mississippi 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.