When to Plant Rosemary in Bacon County, GA
Top priorities for Bacon County, Georgia gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Bacon County, Georgia this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a piney, citrus flavor. It is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in warm, dry conditions.
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 Rosemary may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Rosemary, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rosemary root diseases.
Bacon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Bacon County
How your county's soil matches Rosemary's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Rosemary's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bacon County is excellent for Rosemary — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Rosemary.
How to Plant Rosemary
Succession Planting Rosemary
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by May 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rosemary
Rosemary needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rosemary Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 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.
Rosemary 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.
Rosemary Planting Timeline — Bacon County, GA
Rosemary Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Oct 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Bacon County
Growing Tips for Rosemary in Bacon County
Direct sow Rosemary 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 Rosemary. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Bacon County, provide afternoon shade for Rosemary and water deeply in the morning.
With 58" of annual rainfall in Bacon County, ensure good drainage for Rosemary — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
Grow in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. In cold climates, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter. Propagate from stem cuttings for faster results than seed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rosemary in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rosemary in Bacon County, GA?
Bacon County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Rosemary 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.
Your Bacon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bacon County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.