When to Plant Stevia in Ben Hill County, GA
May to-do list for Ben Hill County, Georgia
Here's what deserves your attention in Ben Hill County, Georgia this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Basket week: stevia
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: stevia
Stevia is a subtropical herb whose leaves contain natural sweeteners 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. It is grown as an annual in most climates.
Ben Hill County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 261 feet, Ben Hill County receives approximately 56.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Stevia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Stevia, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Stevia root diseases.
Ben Hill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Stevia
Stevia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Stevia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ben Hill County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Stevia Planting Timeline — Ben Hill County, GA
Stevia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Ben Hill County
Growing Tips for Ben Hill County
Start seeds indoors under lights or buy transplants. Pinch flowers to encourage leaf production. Harvest leaves before flowering for maximum sweetness. Dry leaves for year-round use.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Stevia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Stevia in Ben Hill County, GA?
Ben Hill County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Stevia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ben Hill County, GA?
Ben Hill County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Ben Hill County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ben Hill 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.