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When to plant Borage in Bacon County, GA

For Bacon County, gardeners: plant Borage February 18 through March 11 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 24 to October 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Bacon County, GA

Bacon County, Georgia Zone 9a June

Your June game plan for Bacon County, Georgia

A quick June briefing for Bacon County, Georgia gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost March 11
Avg. first frost November 19
Soil temp (4") 84°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
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Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.

Bacon County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 165 feet, Bacon County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Borage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Borage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.

Bacon County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Bacon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Borage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Feb 22 🍅 Harvest: Apr 19 – Jun 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – Jun 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 4

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 Bacon County

How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Bacon County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.

How to Plant Borage

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Borage

6
successive plantings in your 253-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 20 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 24.

Borage Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Borage

Borage 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 Borage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bacon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Borage 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.

Borage needs ~1,210 GDD — county provides 5,566 GDD Excellent fit

Borage Planting Timeline — Bacon County, GA

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 11
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – Jun 17
Fall Sowing September 24 Sep 24 – Oct 8

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

50–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

253 days in Bacon County

Growing Tips for Borage in Bacon County

Direct sow Borage outdoors after March 11 in Bacon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Bacon County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Borage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

With summer highs reaching 96°F in Bacon County, provide afternoon shade for Borage and water deeply in the morning.

With 58" of annual rainfall in Bacon County, ensure good drainage for Borage — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.

General growing tips

Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Bacon County, GA?

Bacon County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bacon County, GA?

Bacon County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 19.

When should I plant Borage in Bacon County, GA?

In Bacon County, GA, plant Borage after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bacon County, GA for Borage?

Bacon County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Borage grow in Bacon County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Bacon County's temperate climate. Bacon County averages a 253-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 19.

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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 Bacon County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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