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When to plant Savory in Dawson County, GA

In Dawson County, Savory is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 7–April 21 for an 50–70-day harvest, finishing well before the November 3 first frost.

When to Plant Savory in Dawson County, GA

Dawson County, Georgia Zone 8a June

This month in Dawson County, Georgia

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Dawson County, Georgia.

Avg. last frost March 31
Avg. first frost November 3
Soil temp (4") 78°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.3 hrs
  1. Harvest savory as they ripen

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

July will be here before you know it — start on
  • First harvests: savory

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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.

Dawson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 433 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Savory, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.

Dawson County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Dawson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Savory Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (93 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 22

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 Dawson County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

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

How to Plant Savory

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

Succession Planting Savory

5
successive plantings in your 217-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.

Savory Water Budget

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

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dawson 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 needs ~1,230 GDD — county provides 4,448 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline — Dawson County, GA

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 21
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Jul 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

217 days in Dawson County

Growing Tips for Savory in Dawson County

Direct sow Savory outdoors after March 31 in Dawson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Dawson County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Savory. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Dawson County, GA?

Dawson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dawson County, GA?

Dawson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Savory in Dawson County, GA?

In Dawson County, GA, plant Savory after the last frost (around March 31) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dawson County, GA for Savory?

Dawson County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Savory grow in Dawson County's climate?

Yes — Savory grows well in Dawson County's temperate climate. Dawson County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 31 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Dawson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dawson County (Zone 8a). 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 Dawson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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