When to Plant Savory in Marin County, CA
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Marin County, California.
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Pick savory
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Marin County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 302 feet, Marin County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Savory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Marin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 Marin County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Marin 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 moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 7.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Marin 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 — Marin County, CA
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Marin County
Growing Tips for Savory in Marin County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after February 26 in Marin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Marin County dries quickly — mulch Savory with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Marin County, CA?
Marin County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marin County, CA?
Marin County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.
Your Marin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marin County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.