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When to plant Medlar in Baker County County,

In Baker County County, Medlar is a spring-only crop. Plant March 26–April 9 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Medlar in Baker County, GA

Baker County, Georgia Zone 8b June

June in the garden — Baker County, Georgia

Welcome to June in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 5
Avg. first frost November 21
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs

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Medlar is a small ornamental tree producing unusual open-ended fruits that must be bletted (softened by frost) before eating. The flavor is complex, like spiced apple butter.

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Baker County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Medlar during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Medlar, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Baker County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21
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Baker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Medlar Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 16

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 Baker County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Medlar's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Medlar.

How to Plant Medlar

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Medlar Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 621 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Medlar

Medlar needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Medlar Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Medlar 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.

Medlar needs ~27,740 GDD — county provides 4,959 GDD May not mature

Medlar Planting Timeline — Baker County, GA

Medlar Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

261 days in Baker County

Growing Tips for Medlar in Baker County

Direct sow Medlar outdoors after March 05 in Baker County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Baker County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Medlar. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your 261.0-day growing season in Baker County is tight for Medlar (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Plant in well-drained soil. Medlars are self-fertile and need minimal pruning. Harvest after the first frost and allow to soften (blet) indoors for 2-3 weeks before eating.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Medlar in Baker County, GA?

Baker County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Medlar planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baker County, GA?

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

When should I plant Medlar in Baker County, ?

In Baker County, , plant Medlar after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baker County, for Medlar?

Baker County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Medlar grows reliably in zones 4a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Medlar grow in Baker County's climate?

Yes — Medlar grows well in Baker County's temperate climate. Baker County averages a 261-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 21.

🌱

Your Baker County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baker 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.

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

Sources & credits

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